The Lancang-Mekong region is becoming one of the world’s fastest growing economies as Cambodia, PR China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam transition to modern and open market-based systems.  

To strengthen its foothold in the new frontier of Asian economic growth, Mekong Institute (MI) with government and donor partners, implement programs and projects that build capacities and shed light on needed policies to enhance intra-regional trade opportunities between and among Lancang-Mekong member countries.

One such project is the Lancang-Mekong Business Forum. In coordination with Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, MI engages Lancang-Mekong member countries in business policy discussions. It also exposes business companies and enterprises to opportunities and ways forward in regional trade and investments. Held annually from 2018 to 2022 in partnership with government and the private sector of hosting countries, the event is funded by the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund.

In 2019, the project convened its 2nd edition of the Business Forum in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. With Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and the Vietnam’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ho Chi Minh City Branch), MI bridged partnerships and introduced innovations to over 100 representatives from government ministries, regional organizations, food processing enterprises, import-export enterprises, transport and logistics enterprises and food processing equipment and technology companies, as well as food processing support organizations and business associations.

To know more about the Promoting Agribusiness and Investment in the Processed Food Sector Business Forum last November 7 and 8, read the interview with the man behind the event—Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, Director of Trade and Investment Facilitation Department of MI.