The Prime Minister proposed six areas for ACMECS cooperation to achieve a breakthrough.

On the afternoon of November 7th, in Yunnan, China, the 10th Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit was held, attended by the heads of government and delegations from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The summit's theme was "Towards Seamless Connectivity for an Integrated Mekong Subregion".

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Chairman of the conference, welcomed Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the high-level Vietnamese delegation to the 10th ACMECS Summit.

At the invitation of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, the conference chairman, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh led a high-level Vietnamese delegation to attend the conference.

The Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (named after the three main rivers in the Mekong River basin) is a five-country economic cooperation framework aimed at strengthening overall and bilateral economic cooperation to exploit and leverage comparative advantages among regions and member countries, enhance competitiveness, and narrow the development gap.

At the conference , leaders emphasized the significant contributions of ACMECS cooperation to socio-economic development and improving the lives of people in the Mekong sub-region. ACMECS also plays a crucial role in narrowing the development gap and promoting connectivity within ASEAN, and in implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. Leaders welcomed the significant progress in the implementation of the ACMECS Master Plan 2019-2023, particularly in trade and investment cooperation, tourism, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and human resource development. Leaders also appreciated the positive results of cooperation between ACMECS and its development partners, the establishment of the ACMECS Development Fund and the Provisional Secretariat, and the creation of the cooperation's official logo and website.

Leaders attending the conference emphasized the important contributions of ACMECS cooperation to socio-economic development and improving the lives of people in the Mekong sub-region; and welcomed the significant progress in implementing the ACMECS Master Plan for the period 2019-2023.

Leaders acknowledged that complex and unpredictable global changes are posing multifaceted challenges to the Mekong subregion in general and ACMECS cooperation in particular, including economic instability, supply chain disruptions, energy security, water security, climate change, and natural disasters. To effectively address these challenges and seize new opportunities, the leaders agreed to persistently promote balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development, strengthen cooperation with other Mekong subregional cooperation mechanisms, and jointly build an ACMECS Community that is "united, strong, and sustainable." ACMECS will continue to promote cooperation in transport connectivity, develop digital infrastructure, and facilitate trade to make the Mekong subregion a regional logistics hub; while also focusing on developing high-quality human resources, digital transformation, and green transformation.

The Mekong water resource cooperation was highlighted at this conference. Leaders from 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 developing an early warning system for natural disasters. The conference adopted a Concept Paper on Water Resource Management in the Mekong Subregion with the goal of enhancing strategic coordination among members in responding to short-term and long-term challenges.

Speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the central role of ACMECS in Mekong sub-regional cooperation, 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. Over more than 20 years of formation and development, ACMECS cooperation has achieved outstanding results, contributing to promoting socio-economic development in each member country and implementing the ASEAN Community Vision. The Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam will continue to participate actively, proactively, and creatively in the development of ACMECS, striving to build " a strong ACMECS for a united ASEAN, cohesive in diversity and equitable development ."

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam will continue to participate actively, proactively, and creatively in the development process of ACMECS, striving to build "a strong ACMECS for a united ASEAN, cohesive in diversity and equitable development".

The Prime Minister stated that 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. This is the time when ACMECS needs to define its new mission: to jointly build a united, strong, and sustainably developed Mekong community . Accordingly, ACMECS cooperation in the coming period needs to embody the spirit of "five commonalities": common aspiration, common vision, common determination, common voice, and common action. With this perspective, the Prime Minister proposed six areas for ACMECS cooperation to achieve breakthroughs in the coming period, including:

Firstly, it requires a mindset that aligns with action , ensuring seamless progress from strategy formulation to practical implementation. Cooperation plans and programs need to be substantive, focused, and targeted, avoiding a scattered approach. They should closely adhere to the development needs of member states, while also being highly feasible and consistent with the ability to mobilize resources. Accordingly, the Prime Minister announced that Vietnam will contribute 10 million USD to the ACMECS Development Fund.

Secondly, the tradition of integrating with modernity ensures the synchronized and harmonious development between traditional economic sectors and new, modern technological sectors. On the one hand, ACMECS needs to support member countries in renewing traditional growth drivers, promoting investment, consumption, and trade. On the other hand, ACMECS needs to promote new growth drivers to help member countries seize new opportunities and participate more deeply in regional and global value chains. Priority should be given to comprehensive and profound digital transformation through mobilizing capital for investment in digital infrastructure and services; supporting startups and innovation; and applying digital technology to the manufacturing, information and communication, finance, banking, digital customs, and smart border crossings industries.

Thirdly, rapid and sustainable growth is prioritized, with a focus on promoting green transformation, building a circular economy, and a sharing economy. Given the urgent need to address climate change and promote sustainable development in the sub-region, ACMECS's top priority is attracting green finance for the development of green industries, clean agriculture, and low-emission transportation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's observations and proposals were highly appreciated by the conference and reflected in the conference documents.

Furthermore, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation among the five countries in the sustainable management and use of Mekong River water resources. Ideas should be shared to promote cooperation between ACMECS and development partners to transfer technology and enhance capacity in the sustainable use and management of transboundary water resources, especially the ability to share real-time hydrological data. It is suggested that ACMECS members promote solidarity, political trust, and enhance information sharing and consultation on plans and projects related to Mekong River water resources. Cooperation in disaster management should be strengthened through capacity-building projects, the development of early warning systems among Mekong countries, and the development of resilient infrastructure.

Fourth, as a nation deeply connected to the region and the international community , it is necessary to facilitate the flow of goods, services, and people between the five countries; promote the simplification and harmonization of procedures; and focus on developing transportation infrastructure to connect the region and inter-regions, especially railway and highway systems. It is proposed that the five countries enhance information sharing and coordination in the process of developing economic development plans and policies to increase mutual complementarity and spread benefits; and persuade development partners to invest alongside ACMECS to ensure "seamless connectivity for an integrated Mekong sub-region".

At the conclusion of the conference, the leaders adopted the Vientiane Declaration and witnessed the handover of the ACMECS chairmanship between Laos and Myanmar.

Fifth, strengthen the connection between the Government and the people and businesses . With the perspective that resources originate from mindset, motivation from innovation, and strength from the people and businesses, it is proposed that all strategies, action plans, and projects of ACMECS should be centered around the people and businesses as the subjects, objectives, and driving forces, bringing practical, inclusive benefits and ensuring that no one is left behind. Ministers, senior officials, and the ACMECS Interim Secretariat are tasked with developing the next phase of the ACMECS master plan, emphasizing inclusiveness with projects for the people, especially in remote areas, and supporting businesses in participating in regional and global supply chains.

Sixth, linking development with maintaining stability and ensuring security . The Prime Minister proposed that ACMECS strengthen cooperation in combating cross-border crime, especially drug trafficking and cybercrime, to prevent criminals from using one country's territory to attack another.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's observations and proposals were highly appreciated by the conference and reflected in the conference documents.

At the conclusion of the conference, the leaders adopted the Vientiane Declaration and witnessed the handover of the ACMECS chairmanship between Laos and Myanmar.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/thu-tuong-de-xuat-6-noi-dung-de-hop-tac-acmecs-but-pha-post393044.html