Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS)

 Educational level: Continuing education / Executive education programs.

Course summary Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS):

ACMECS Ayeyawady Chao Phraya: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Trade and Investment Facilitation.

The Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) is a cooperation framework amongst Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam to utilize member countries’ diverse strengths and to promote balanced development in the sub-region.

The objectives of this new initiative are to bridge the economic gap among the four countries, and to promote prosperity in the sub-region in a sustainable manner. Such prosperity will not only benefit the four countries, but also add value to ASEAN and its solidarity.

Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS)  will act as a catalyst to build upon existing regional cooperation programs and complement bilateral frameworks with a view to transform the border areas of the five countries into zones of economic growth, social progress and prosperity, and to blend local, national and regional interests for common benefits, shared prosperity, enhanced solidarity, peace, stability and good neighborliness.

Example of the course Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS):

The Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s participation in ACMECS as a Development Partner ensures that duplication is minimized and synergy is maximized between the two frameworks.

The Economic Cooperation Strategy shall capitalize on the comparative advantages of the CLMT countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Thailand) to establish a prosperous and highly competitive sub-region. The objective is to facilitate the flows of goods (imports exports) and investments (FDI), which are crucial for job creation, income promotion and reduced socio-economic disparities.

The CLMT nations shall strengthen and enhance cooperation efforts in agriculture and industry through such means as establishing or improving infrastructure facilities, joint production, marketing and purchasing arrangements, research and development and exchange of information.

Topic: Globalization and regionalization