BUILDING NETWORKS AND RESEARCH CAPACITIES IN THE GMS:THE INAUGURAL MINZAS ROUNDTABLE MEETING, JULY 23 – 24, 2012

How can the nations of the GMS particularly those lagging behind economically build up the necessary human resources, knowledge and expertise, to facilitate equitable growth and a more prosperous region A key strategy would be long-term investment in the regions youth; investment in those who will have to overcome the challenges of new social and economic realities in a more integrated and dynamic region. 

Continuing over 15 years of commitment to human resource development in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), the inaugural Mekong Institute New Zealand Ambassador Scholarships (MINZAS) Roundtable Meeting took place on 23-24 July at the Mekong Institute Residential Training Center. The Meeting constitutes the final phase of the MINZAS scholarship program which offers funding and technical support for researches by masters students from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand (CLMT). 

H.E. Mr. Tony Lynch, New Zealand Ambassador to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, addressed 12 MINZAS scholars and their mentors during the opening ceremony. In his opening remarks, he expressed his strong support and enthusiasm for continued investment in the regions emerging leaders. 

The inaugural roundtable meeting provides a venue for the young researchers to present the results of their studies and to engage in rigorous academic analysis from regional subject-matter experts. 

The MINZAS program exemplifies the long-standing connection between New Zealand and MI and the shared belief in accelerating economic and social integration through intensified human resource development efforts.

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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.