First Mekong-Lancang Cooperation leaders’ meeting opens in China
The first Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) leaders’ meeting kicked off in Sanya city of China’s Hainan province on March 23, drawing leaders of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, China and Vietnam.
Joint press conference and ceremony to launch Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (Source: VNA)
Beijing (VNA) – The first Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) leaders’ meeting kicked off in Sanya city of China’s Hainan province on March 23, drawing leaders of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, China and Vietnam.
Themed “Shared river, shared future”, the meeting confirmed the six countries’ commitment to peace, stability and sustainable development in the Mekong sub-region, and set forth major orientations for Mekong-Lancang cooperation.
Looking forward, the MLC will focus on five priority fields of water resources, production capacity, cross-border trade, agriculture and poverty reduction.
At the meeting, delegates stressed the importance of the Mekong River for the development of the riverside countries, while agreeing to intensify coordination between the six countries in managing and using water resources sustainably, considering this a leading priority.
They also supported the proposal of building a Mekong-Lancang water resources cooperation centre, to boost collaboration between the six nations in sharing information and data, managing floods and drought and conducting joint studies on water resources in the Mekong River, known as Lancang in China.
The participants adopted the Sanya Declaration, and a Joint Statement on Production Capacity Cooperation among Mekong-Lancang countries, together with a list of Early Harvest Projects for MLC.
Head of the Vietnamese delegatioಞn, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, delivered a speech at the event, stressing the need for the six countries to manage and use water resources in the Mekong River scientifically and sustainably.
Acknowledging the role of the MLC for sustainable development and prosperity in the Mekong sub-region, Vietnam proposed three projects which were then added to the list of Early Harvest Projects.
Vietnam is ready to work with China and Mekong Sub-region countries in deploying a joint project to establish a centre on Mekong-Lancang water resources cooperation, including making contribution to the establishment and operation of the centre in terms of finance and experts.-VNA
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh will attend the first Lancang-Mekong Cooperation leaders’ meeting and the Boao Forum for Asia in China, from March 22-24.
Vietnam hopes for a closer coordination between Mekong countries in planning, using and regulating the water resources in the Mekong River, known as the Lancang in China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Joint press conference and ceremony to launch Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (Source: VNA)
