3RD FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE OPENED: EXECUTIVE SEMINAR HELD

The border gate of the 3rd Thai- Lao Bridge, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. 

The 3rd Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge has been officially inaugurated, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn, last November 11, 2011 linking Nakhon Phanom and Khammoun Provinces, resulting into more integration in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra also took part in the ceremony. The bridges construction started on May 26, 2009, and was contracted to complete in 900 days, at a cost of Bt 1,723 Million paid by the Thai Government. The Lao government provided land and tax privileges for the import of construction machines and materials. 11-11-11 at 11 am, was the chosen date to officially open what will now become the link connecting Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Southern China, mainly through the Asian Route AH15. The bridges construction was aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries, as well as Vietnam, in the fields of economics, culture, trade & investment, resulting to an improved quality of life. In this regard, a one day seminar was organized by the Mekong Institute (MI) on Business Opportunities and Development Potentials of East-West Economic Corridor in Mukdahan on 10 11- 11 with a structured visit to witness the grand opening ceremony of the third Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge the day after. In his keynote address focusing on the ASEAN Economic Community, Mr. Tak Sriratanobhas, (Vice President of Mitr Phol Sugar Corp., Ltd.) said that the aim is to make roads in order to transport goods from any point in the GMS in 1 day, to increase competitiveness. This seminar has enabled regional, national and cross-border networking of decision-makers and executives from relevant partner organisations to be established; knowledge and usage of the EWEC Provincial Business Profile and Trade and Investment database; and increased awareness on business opportunities along Route 8 and Route 12 after the opening of Nakhon Phanom Khammoun Bridge. The delegates to this executive seminar were executives from regional organizations, the relevant government line agencies at national and provincial levels, senior officials/board members of Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCIs) and SME Associations along EWEC and R12. Mr. Chanvit Vasayangkura, Governor of Mukdahan Province, Thailand, welcomes the delegates to the executive seminar, last Nov. 10, 2011.

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Mrs. Guohua Liu

Director, Sustainable Energy & Environment (SEE) Department

Mrs. Liu Guohua is the Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Department at the Mekong Institute. Prior to this role, she worked in the Department of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, where she played a key role in shaping and implementing China’s cooperation strategies with UN development agencies. During this time, Mrs. Liu was actively involved in advancing initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on climate change and green development. Additionally, she contributed to the evaluation of projects funded by various Chinese initiatives, such as the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, etc.

In addition to her work in the Department of International Economic Affairs, Mrs. Liu has an extensive diplomatic background. She spent 7 years in the Department of African Affairs, followed by a 4-year tenure at the Chinese Embassy in Lao PDR, where she gained deep expertise in both Southeast Asian and African affairs. These diverse experiences have played a crucial role in shaping her approach to sustainable development and international collaboration, particularly in building regional partnerships and tackling global challenges like climate change.

She holds a Master’s degree in Economics, with a specialization in Finance, from the Central University of Finance and Economics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, specializing in International Economics and Trade, from the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.