CLMV countries' economic growth has consistently been high in the region, projected to reach 4.6% in 2024 and 4.7% in 2025. Total bilateral trade among the four countries exceeds US$769 billion, contributing 21.8% of ASEAN's total trade value.

Heads of Government/Heads of Delegation from CLMV countries and the ASEAN Secretary-General attended the conference. Photo: Nhat Bac

CLMV leaders affirmed their shared aspiration to build a peaceful and prosperous sub-region and realize the goal of becoming upper-middle-income countries by 2030. Speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh noted that the world is witnessing profound, epoch-making changes, opening up unprecedented development opportunities for the four countries – opportunities of an era of integration and innovation. This is the golden time to create breakthroughs in CLMV cooperation to catch up, move forward, and rise to the top.

The Prime Minister stated that Vietnam maintains the CLMV scholarship program to receive students from these countries to study and conduct research in Vietnam. This program was initiated and funded by Vietnam since the 4th CLMV Summit in November 2008. Photo: Nhat Bac

With that spirit in mind, the Prime Minister proposed the "Three Together" principle for CLMV cooperation. Together, we are determined to build an increasingly effective and substantive CLMV cooperation mechanism, aiming for a developed, self-reliant, and highly competitive CLMV economic region; and for economies to reach upper-middle income levels by 2030. Together, we will promote new, highly feasible areas of cooperation that align with new trends and effectively complement other mechanisms, especially ACMECS and GMS. The Prime Minister suggested that CLMV should focus on developing a comprehensive human resource development strategy, combining the training of intellectuals with the development of skilled workers. Vietnam will coordinate efforts to leverage the participation and contributions of the business community and development partners in the design and implementation of CLMV cooperation projects and programs, especially in new areas such as digital transformation, green transformation, smart agriculture , and climate change response. The Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam always values ​​CLMV cooperation and will continue to contribute its utmost to further deepen the traditional friendship, neighborly relations, and mutual benefit, so that the four countries can catch up, progress together, and rise in the new era of development. Vietnam contributed 10 million USD to the ACMECS Development Fund. This afternoon, the 10th Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit took place with the theme "Towards Seamless Connectivity for an Integrated Mekong Subregion".

Heads of Government/Heads of Delegation from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam attended the conference. Photo: Nhat Bac

The leaders emphasized the significant contributions of ACMECS cooperation to socio-economic development and improving the lives of people in the Mekong sub-region. They welcomed the important progress in implementing the ACMECS Master Plan for the period 2019-2023, particularly in trade and investment cooperation, tourism, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and human resource development. Cooperation on Mekong water resources was highlighted at the conference. The leaders of the five countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in the sustainable management of transboundary water resources, especially in coordination with the International Mekong River Commission; sharing hydrological data; and building an early warning system for natural disasters. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed the central role of ACMECS in Mekong sub-regional cooperation, as an indispensable component of the ASEAN Community, a gateway connecting ASEAN with Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia, and a bridge between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Vietnam continues to participate actively, proactively, and creatively in the development process of ACMECS, striving to build "a strong ACMECS for a united and cohesive ASEAN in diversity and equitable development".

Prime Minister: The world is entering an era of innovation, opening up new opportunities that are crucial for the development of each country as well as the entire sub-region. Photo: Nhat Bac

The next phase of ACMECS cooperation needs to embody the spirit of "five commonalities": shared aspirations, shared vision, shared determination, shared voice, and shared action. With this perspective, the Prime Minister proposed five key areas for breakthrough ACMECS cooperation. Firstly, a mindset that connects actions, ensuring seamless progress from strategy development to practical implementation. The Prime Minister announced that Vietnam will contribute US$10 million to the ACMECS Development Fund. Secondly, a tradition that connects with modernity, ensuring synchronized and harmonious development between traditional economic sectors and new, modern technologies. Thirdly, rapid and sustainable growth with a focus on promoting green transformation, building a circular economy, and a sharing economy. Fourthly, national integration with the region and internationally, facilitating the flow of goods, services, and people between the five countries. Fifthly, a strong connection between governments, citizens, and businesses. Sixth, linking development with maintaining stability and ensuring security.

Vietnamnet.vn

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/thu-tuong-campuchia-lao-myanmar-viet-nam-hop-tac-vuon-len-trong-ky-nguyen-moi-2339811.html