Mekong Institute (MI) Executive Director officially visited Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from July 5 – 7, 2023.

On July 6, 2023, Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, MI Executive Director, paid a courtesy call to Mr. Wei Ran, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (FAOGX) to report the progress of the MI’s collaboration with Guangxi after his last visit in March. He also sought FAOGX’s guidance on possible future collaborations between MI and Guangxi. Mr. Suriyan took this opportunity to express his sincere thanks to FAOGX for co-hosting the 5th Lancang-Mekong Business Forum (LMBF) 2023 on July 3-5, 2023.

Later, on the same day, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between MI and China-ASEAN Business Center (CABC) was convened in the afternoon of July 6, 2023 to further support the China and ASEAN economic development and cooperation. Among others, these include activities associated with the China ASEAN Expos (CAEXPOs). The CABC is also the co-organizer of the 5th LMBF.

Prior to that on July 5, 2023, Mr. Suriyan visited Guangxi Power Grid Co., Ltd. (GXPG) to explore possible future collaborations. The delegation was received by Mr. Shang Tao, Deputy General Manager of the GXPG. To kick off the collaboration, GXPG and MI will co-host an upcoming regional training in Guangxi in October or November 2023 which is part of the “Promoting Greater Energy Connectivity for Equitable Development and Growth in the Lancang-Mekong Region” project funded by China.

GXPG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CSG). MI and CSG has been long-term partners to promote power interconnection and energy transition in the Lancang-Mekong region since 2015.

As the final engagement of his working visit to China, the Executive Director visited the College of ASEAN Studies, Guangxi University for Nationalities, to explore possible future cooperation.