Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 12, 2025 – The Mekong Institute (MI), in close collaboration with the General Department of Logistics (GDL) of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), Cambodia, successfully convened the Project Inception Workshop of the “Transport and Logistics Information Systems in the Lancang–Mekong Region” on June 12, 2025, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The two-year project, funded by the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation Special Fund (LMCSF), officially commenced with active participation from 88 stakeholders representing government agencies, private sector actors, academia, and research institutions across the six Lancang–Mekong Cooperation (LMC) countries. The workshop was held in a hybrid format, ensuring inclusive participation both onsite and online. 

The event was honored by the presence of key dignitaries including H.E. CHHIENG Pich, Under Secretary of State, MPWT, who chaired the session; H.E. Mrs. Touch Sopharoth, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Project Manager of the LMCSF, Cambodia; and H.E. Minister Counselor Chen Chong from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Cambodia. Senior officials from MI also joined, alongside participants from Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. 

In his opening remarks, H.E. CHHIENG Pich emphasized the project’s strategic alignment with Cambodia’s Five-Year Development Plan (2023–2028) and the Comprehensive Master Plan on Intermodal Transport and Logistics (2023–2033). He underscored the critical importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in ensuring the availability of accurate data and timely information sharing, both of which are vital to the successful implementation of the project. 

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Mrs. Touch Sopharoth expressed her deep appreciation to the Chinese government for its continued support in strengthening regional peace and economic development through the LMCSF. She highlighted the importance of enhanced connectivity as a key driver for regional trade, logistics, and tourism, and called for further proposals that foster cross-border infrastructure development and integration across the Lancang–Mekong countries. 

H.E. Minister Counselor Chen Chong reiterated China’s strong commitment to the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation framework, recognizing connectivity as a core pillar of regional integration. He noted that this project would serve as a practical platform for data exchange, experience sharing, and policy dialogue, ultimately contributing to improved business efficiency and sustainable economic growth throughout the region. 

Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, Director of Trade and Investment Facilitation at MI, elaborated on the project’s key objectives and expected outcomes. He stressed that the project will develop a comprehensive, real-time information system to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance enterprise competitiveness, and facilitate deeper integration into both national and regional value chains. He encouraged all stakeholders to remain engaged and committed to driving the project toward its shared vision. 

During the workshop, participants reviewed the country-specific overviews of current transport and logistics systems. Each country presented its achievements, challenges, and priorities: 

• Cambodia highlighted its logistics infrastructure modernization plans; 

• China showcased its advanced digitalization and integration of smart technologies; 

• Lao PDR discussed its progress in multimodal transport and dry port development; 

• Myanmar outlined ongoing digitalization efforts despite institutional hurdles; 

• Thailand emphasized its digital oversight and GPS-based freight monitoring systems; 

• Viet Nam shared updates on its port development and logistics park investments. 

The GDL presented the detailed project framework, including objectives, expected results, and major activities. Core activities planned under the project include: 

1. Project Inception Workshop (June 2025) 
2. Technical Workshop on System Development (August 2025) 
3. Design and Development of the Transport and Logistics Information System 
4. Systematic Data Collection for System Inputs 
5. Synthesis and Evaluation (S&E) Workshop to Review Action Plans 
6. Promotion Workshop on System Utilization and Regional Information Exchange 

A coordination mechanism was also proposed to ensure strategic direction, facilitate stakeholder engagement, monitor project progress, and sustain long-term collaboration among participating countries and partners. 

The workshop concluded with a strong sense of commitment from all parties to work collaboratively toward building a modern, data-driven, and integrated transport and logistics information system. This will not only serve as a catalyst for seamless cross-border connectivity but also support regional economic integration, trade facilitation, and sustainable development in the Lancang–Mekong region. 

The next key milestone will be the Technical Workshop on the Development of Transport and Logistics Information System for Lancang–Mekong Countries, scheduled for August 2025 at MI, where national focal points and technical experts will engage in the system design process.