Capacity Development for Regional Cooperation and Integration

ABOUT MI

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ABOUT MI

Mekong Institute (MI) was established on August 28, 1996, by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Thai Department of Technical and Economic Cooperation to promote economic development and cooperation in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

Since 2009, under a Royal Decree signed by the King of Thailand, MI has grown into a recognized intergovernmental organization (IGO) represented by all six GMS countries, namely Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam

Cambodia
China
Lao PDR
Myanmar
Thailand
Viet Nam

Throughout the years, MI has played a transformational role in capacity development in the region, focusing on human resource and learning programs to enhance regional development, cooperation, and integration. The institute provides training, conducts research, offers advice, and facilitates policy dialogues on topics that matter to the GMS.   

As one of the longest-running IGO owned by the GMS governments, MI is committed to building a better GMS by connecting member countries and advancing development on all fronts. In recent years, MI has expanded its services and assumed new roles to support various sub-regional cooperation frameworks and mechanisms. Its most recent regional mandates include serving as the regional coordinator of the GMS Knowledge Network and providing back-office support for the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS).

MI strives for a prosperous GMS where societies are more inclusive, and economic development is shared among the countries.

VISION

Capable and committed human resources working together for a more integrated, prosperous, and harmonious GMS

Mission

Contribute to regional cooperation and integration through capacity development, dialogue, and advocacy for the acceleration of sustainable socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation in the GMS

Main Strategic Goals

MI’s activities are designed to align with its strategic goals in the areas of agricultural development and commercialization, trade and investment facilitation, and sustainable energy and environment. These strategic goals include:

  • Increasing agricultural commercial production and strengthening sustainable food systems
  • Increasing access to international markets and cross-border trade
  • Increasing adoption of power grid connectivity, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate-smart technologies in agriculture and trade initiatives

While advancing these three regional development themes, MI also addresses issues of social inclusion and vulnerability, the digital economy and innovation, and labor mobility to ensure holistic and sustainable impacts in the subregion and beyond.

Implementing Strategies

As outlined in the MI Strategic Plan 2021-2025, MI’s implementation strategies include:

  • Implementing projects through partnerships
  • Providing advisory services to GMS governments, development partners, the private sector, and civil society
  • Conducting research for policy advocacy on transboundary development areas

For more information, refer to the MI Strategic Plan 2021-2025 and the MI Strategic Plan Infographic.

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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.