BACKGROUND
Sub-regional cooperation among Mekong countries is essential for advancing regional integration and community building. To support this goal, the Republic of Korea (ROK) launched the Mekong-ROK Partnership in 2011, followed by the establishment of the Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) in 2013. The MKCF supports collaborative initiatives across seven priority areas outlined in the Han River Declaration.
The MKCF fosters strategic cooperation through a structured and forward-looking framework. It provides grants for projects that address common regional challenges, promote sustainable development, and strengthen regional integration. Although projects may be implemented within individual countries, they are designed to generate broader benefits for the entire Mekong region and the ROK.
To enhance the effectiveness of MKCF-supported initiatives, the Mekong Institute is implementing the project “Capacity Building on Regional Project Design, Implementation, Monitoring & Evaluation of MKCF Projects” (PRIME) in 2023-2025. Funded by the MKCF, PRIME aims to strengthen institutional capacities throughout the project life cycle, with particular emphasis on establishing systematic Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) processes for implementing agencies. Through PRIME, the MKCF is laying the groundwork for impactful, results-oriented cooperation that supports a more resilient and integrated Mekong community.
OBJECTIVES
To enhance capacities of the eligible partners under the MKCF program by reinforcing regional cooperation and integration through designing and delivering collaborative projects across the seven priority sectors of the MKCF.
IMPLEMENTATION COUNTRY
Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam and the Republic of Korea
OUTCOME
- Strengthened coordination mechanism among related agencies in Mekong countries
- Enhanced sub-regional cooperation and integration process among Mekong countries
- Enhanced the stakeholders and beneficiaries’ capabilities for better outcome
- Enhanced knowledge and skills on project cycle and monitoring and evaluation
- Developed and utilized the web-based M&E system to support MKCF project implementatio
- Enhanced cooperation and coordination among the MKCF PIAs
- Documented and showcased the results of the project implementations
RESULTS ACHIEVED
- Baseline assessment report (August 2023)
- Technical dialogue organized (November 2023 and September 2024)
- Implementation of the What’s SUP Khon Kaen Campaign
ACTIVITIES
- Inception Workshop
- Web-Cloud based M&E system
- MKCF Roundtable Meetings & Forum
- MKCF web-based Platform or Social Media Campaign
- Training on Regional Projects Identification
- Training on Project M&E Evaluation
- Structured learning visits cum Evaluation Workshop
PROJECT PARTNERS
- Mekong Cooperation Units of 5 Mekong Countries
- Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) of MKCF projects
- Other MKCF eligible agencies such as regional organizations and international organizations
- Rok organizations and agencies related to MKCF priority sectors
PROJECT FUNDER/DONOR
Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF)
