MEKONG INSTITUTE HOSTS IMMERSIVE WORKSHOP TO ENHANCE CONNECTIVITY ALONG THE CHINA-LAO PDR-THAILAND RAILWAY ROUTES

Trade and Investment Facilitation

Khon Kaen, Thailand – October 23, 2023 – Mekong Institute (MI), with support from the People’s Government of Yunnan Province of the People’s Republic of China, kicked off a seven-day workshop cum structured learning visit (SLV) aimed at advancing regional logistics and transportation infrastructure in the Lancang-Mekong (LM) Region, with a specific focus on enhancing connectivity along the China-Lao PDR-Thailand Railway routes.

The workshop brought together 23 high-ranking delegates representing various sectors, including transportation, industries, and commerce from the LM region. Participants will embark on on-site visits to special economic zones (SEZ), industrial zones, and logistics parks in Thailand and Lao PDR from October 23 to 29 2023.

The visits intend to facilitate the identification and evaluation of the current state of transit via the China-Lao PDR-Thailand railway and its connected multimodal transport channels. Ultimately, the SLV aims to inform the development of a comprehensive roadmap, outlining strategies in anticipation of the forthcoming China-Lao PDR-Thailand Railways project. The activity also seeks to promote coordination to establish seamless trade facilitation measures and multimodal transport and logistics channels in the region.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Liu Hongmei, Consulate General of China in Khon Kaen, Thailand, highlighted the crucial role of China in advancing connectivity and trade. She reflected on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has reached more than 150 countries and engaged 30 international organizations in the past decade. Ms. Liu emphasized the BRI’s commitment to enhancing connectivity, which has facilitated the seamless flow of commodities, capital, technology, and personnel through vital transportation routes and information networks.

MI’s Director of the Trade and Investment Facilitation (TIF) Department, Mr. Madhurjya Dutta, emphasized the workshop’s objectives in fostering learning and knowledge-sharing. He also highlighted the importance of the transformative power of operational segments like the China-Lao PDR-Thailand transportation networks. He invited participants to explore the challenges and opportunities these networks bring for regional development and growth.

The course also provides a platform to share the key findings of the China-Lao PDR-Thailand Railway Assessment Report developed by MI, wherein participants have contributed invaluable insights.

After concluding the extensive SLV, participants are expected to be primed to formulate feasible national strategies, identifying promising trade and investment prospects within multimodal transport and logistics channels.

 

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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.