Kunming, Yunnan Province, China – Mekong Institute (MI) Executive Director Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn emphasized the critical role of subnational governments in advancing regional cooperation and integration initiatives during the 2024 Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Governors Forum, held from November 6 to 7 in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. The forum, organized annually by the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, serves as a vital platform for fostering long-term cooperation among subnational governments from China, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
Mr. Suriyan highlighted the rapid growth in economic cooperation and integration within the GMS, reflecting the region’s commitment to mutual development and shared prosperity. He stressed the need to enhance the capacity of subnational governments and stakeholders in planning and implementing Regional Cooperation and Integration (RCI) initiatives, underscoring MI’s crucial role in facilitating collaboration among GMS countries.
This year’s theme, “Solidarity and Coordination for an Enabling Regional Business Environment,” emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing the regional business landscape. The forum’s agenda included a keynote address by Mr. Wang Yubo, Governor of Yunnan Province, and speeches from administrative heads of participating provinces and international organizations.
The adoption of the “Kunming Initiative of the 2024 GMS Economic Corridor Governors Forum” aimed to bolster regional cooperation towards a more accessible and prosperous GMS. Attendees also visited local economic initiatives — the International Trade Enterprise Cluster Park at China (Yunnan) Pilot Free Trade Zone and Junfa New Luosiwan International Trade City gaining valuable insights into development strategies.
MI’s participation in the forum reflected its commitment to promoting regional integration and sustainable development. As Mr. Suriyan concluded, “Building synergies and complementarity of the GMS Program and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation will ensure greater impacts and benefits to the countries,” reinforcing the collaborative approach towards future growth in the Greater Mekong Subregion.