PROJECT BACKGROUND The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is facing increasingly complex and interconnected development challenges driven by climate change, resource pressures, rapid economic integration, and evolving geopolitical and financing landscapes. In addition to climate-induced floods and droughts, the region is increasingly affected by transboundary environmental challenges such as heavy metal contamination in shared river systems, …
PROJECT BACKGROUND Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are essential for economic growth, especially in the ASEAN and Lancang-Mekong (LM) regions. With around 5,400 SEZs worldwide, over 3,000 are located in the LM region, which includes Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. These zones aim to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), boost export-oriented growth, create …
PROJECT BACKGROUND The Lancang-Mekong Countries (LMC) — Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam — are increasingly interconnected through transport, trade, and tourism. Among these sectors, transport plays a central role in driving economic growth and enhancing regional competitiveness. Improved transport and communication infrastructure, combined with more effective information exchange, are essential for …
Transport and Logistics Information System in Lancang-Mekong Region Read More »
THE CHALLENGES Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in the Mekong region. Thousands of children in Cambodia and Lao PDR—especially in rural and underserved communities—lack access to early diagnosis and life-saving interventions due to limited healthcare infrastructure and specialist capacity. TIMEFRAME: July 2025 – July 2027 TARGET LOCATIONS …
BACKGROUND The Regional Public Health Laboratory (RPHL) Network was established to strengthen national laboratory systems across the Asia-Pacific region. Comprising 14 member countries and headquartered in Thailand, the Network promotes collaboration in laboratory systems strengthening, aiming to improve the timely detection of emerging pathogens and diagnostic services, in alignment with the Global Health Security Agenda …
GC7 Integrated Laboratory Systems Strengthening Regional Strategic Initiative Read More »
BACKGROUND The digital transformation of agriculture in the Mekong subregion is progressing, yet smallholder farmers in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV) still face barriers in accessing and utilizing digital agricultural platforms. Existing platforms provide information on agricultural best practices, market prices, and weather forecasts; however, challenges related to accessibility, awareness, and digital literacy …
BACKGROUND The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is home to diverse ecosystems and a predominantly agricultural economy. However, it is challenged by food security and climate resilience. Climate change-induced events—such as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and floods—have disrupted food production systems, degraded ecosystems, and undermined the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. These challenges …
BACKGROUND Agriculture remains an economic pillar in the Mekong region. However, the sector faces persistentchallenges on low productivity, fragmented supply chains, limited access to modern technologies, and increasing vulnerability to climate change. Outdated farming practices, post-harvest losses, and inefficient market linkages further constrain economic growth and food security. Smart agriculture offers high potential but adoption …
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 …
BACKGROUND The daily consumption of single-use plastic bags (SuPB) in Thailand is 500 million bags/day. Landfill is the disposal site for solid waste and many SuPB litter the land and enter tributaries of main rivers in Thailand, discharging plastic waste into oceans. Khon Kaen is one of the biggest provinces in Northeast Thailand. It is …
UPSTREAM SINGLE-USE PLASTICS REDUCTION SOLUTIONS FOR KHON KAEN’S STREET FOOD COMPLEXES Read More »
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