Regional Meeting: 27th GMS Ministerial Conference in Thailand

Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations U Thant Sin Lwin attended the 27th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Ministerial Conference and related meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, from 27 to 28 November, according to the invitation of Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

At the GMS Business Forum on 27 November, the GMS Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and representatives from the GMS Business Councils of member countries discussed challenges in priority sectors and ways to boost cooperation between governments and the private sector.

On 28 November, the Ministers and Deputy Ministers held a ministerial retreat to consider how the GMS program could enhance private sector participation and local government engagement.

During the main conference, held under the theme “Fostering Inclusive Growth, Balanced Development, and Prosperity through Integrating Local Government and Private Sector in the GMS”, heads of delegations from GMS member countries and the ADB Vice-President delivered brief statements. The plenary session reviewed reports from senior officials, development partners, the GMS Business Council, and local governments.

The meeting was chaired by Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and co-chaired by the ADB Vice-President for East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, with about 150 participants from GMS countries and partner organizations.

The conference endorsed the GMS Regional Investment Framework 2026–2028, private sector engagement plans, and the Joint Ministerial Statement. The Myanmar delegation arrived back on the morning of 29 November.