Bangkok, Thailand – The Mekong Institute (MI) is advancing its commitment to regional development by exploring its potential role in administering the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Development Fund (ACMDF). On January 8, 2025, MI’s Executive Director, Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, and Mr. Madhurjya K. Dutta, Director of the Trade and Investment Facilitation Department, met with senior officials from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Ministry of Finance (MoF) in Bangkok. The discussions, chaired by Ms. Jiraporn Wattanasophorn, Director of Economic Relations and Cooperation at the MFA, focused on leveraging MI’s expertise to enhance the governance, funding mechanisms, and impact of the ACMDF. The ACMDF is a key financial tool aligned with the ACMECS master plan, aimed at fostering regional cooperation, promoting self-reliance, and driving sustainable growth. It supports transformative projects in infrastructure, trade, investment, and environmental sustainability, empowering member nations toward greater economic integration and shared prosperity. This collaboration underscores MI’s pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships among ACMECS member countries and development partners, advancing ACMECS initiatives and reinforcing its vision for a sustainable and prosperous Mekong region.