10th ACMECS Summit: SAC Chairman attends the summit in Kunming

The 10thAyeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit was held at Wyndham Grand Hotel in Kunming of China on Thursday. Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attended the summit together with Cambodian Prime Minister Mr. Hun Manet, Laotian Prime Minister Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, senior officials from member countries.

The Alternate Chairman of ACMECS, Laotian Prime Minister gave an opening remark, followed by a keynote speech by the Cambodian Prime Minister. Speaking on the occasion, SAC Chairman and Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said this year marks the 21st anniversary of ACMECS cooperation which was initiated during the summit in Bagan, Myanmar in 2003. Since its establishment 21 years ago, ACMECS plays pivotal role in promoting regional development, narrowing down the development gap and elevation of economic cooperation. 

The Prime Minister emphasized that official introduction of ACMECS logo and website reached the further cooperation as it promotes public notices on concerted efforts of ACMECS. The Prime Minister also stressed the needs to establish a trust fund for implementing regional development projects and plans, adopted in ACMECS Master Plan.

In order to accelerate regional development works of ACMECS member countries, the Prime Minister expressed his wish for establishment of ACMECS Development Fund (ACMDF). He added that Myanmar is a country which pays special attention for cooperation among neighboring countries in Mekong Sub-region, and thus, all member countries are urged to enhance cooperation based on the existing friendship, good neighborliness, mutual understanding and shared benefits.

Then, the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Viet Nam gave speeches. The meeting announced the approval of New Zealand as ACMECS' 2nd development partner, along with the adoption Vientiane Declaration of the 10th ACMECS Summit and Concept Note on water resource management in the Mekong River Basin. 

Then, the Laotian Prime Minister handovered the duties of ACMECS Chairmanship to SAC Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. During the closing remark, Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing expressed honour for accepting the ACMECS Alternate Chair, and extended words of congratulation to the leadership of Laotian Prime Minister for keeping ACMECS cooperation momentum during the past 4-year period.

He also called for collective efforts of all ACMECS member countries in implementing regional development projects and tackling the challenges of rapidly changing global landscapes. He added that during the tenure of ACMECS Chairmanship, Myanmar will make efforts on continuous implementation of previous working processes for sharing benefits to ACMECS member countries through regional development projects.

10thAyeyawady- Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit aims for regional development in Mekong delta region, assisting agricultural and manufacturing businesses, reducing income inequality among member countries, creating job opportunities and ensuring sustainable development through peace, stability and prosperity.