AN INFORMATIVE VISIT

A group of 35 government officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture of Thailand, visited the Mekong Institute (MI) last September 23, 2011. These officials were taking part in a 2-day training program entitled: Producing and Developing Tutor in Extension Work. 

They came to MI to be informed about the Greater Mekong Sub-Region (GMS) Economic Cooperation Program and what MI does to uplift the thrusts of this region, especially when it came to agriculture. 

They also were interested in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015, and the practice of the English language skill to support their extension work. As an international organization running on the English language, MI was the perfect place for them to experience this. The MI Director, Dr Suchat Katima, during his presentation on the GMS said: We used to think were the best in this region, and that we can stand alone. Today, we cant say this anymore. We depend on our neighbors as much as they depend on us,. He added: The AEC is coming. Soon, we will have free flow of goods and services across Southeast Asia. This is why we must develop the capacity our farmers, and business owners to be able to compete in the global market. Aside from this, the delegates were given presentations on MIs background and organizational structure. They were also shown the activities that MI does in the GMS, including the preparation for the AEC 2015. To make this visit helpful and inspiring for the delegates, MI assisted by providing the delegates with an opportunity to introduce themselves in English. With this, they were able to take home with them more confidence in using English, which can be useful to their line of work. 

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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.