The Mekong Institute organized The Inception Workshop on “Development Potential of the International Shipping on the Lancang-Mekong River” on February 26-27, 2015. The workshop was held at the Mekong Institute, Khon Kaen, Thailand, and funded by the Chinese Central Government. 

The workshop aims to build up research collaboration and network on transportation and logistics along the Lancang-Mekong River. It will provide inputs for the next steps of the research study. 11 experts and practitioners from the relevant authorities participated. They are from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Representatives from regional stakeholders such as Mekong River Commission (MRC) and Regional Transport Economist also participated and reflect on the development potential of international shipping on the Lancang-Mekong River. 

During the workshop, the project consultants and the participants also got the chance to verify about development potential of the international shipping on the Lancang-Mekong River. The next step is the field data collection using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The data collection will take place on March – April 2015 in China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.