MI’s experts share insights on next-generation digital solutions for trade and agriculture at the GMS Innovation Forum 2025
The Mekong Institute (MI) joined regional leaders, digital innovators, and policymakers at the GMS Innovation Forum: Advancing Sectoral Digitalization through Regional Action, held on October 30, 2025, in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. The Forum, organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and partners as part of the GMS Innovation Week 2025, provided a platform to accelerate the implementation of the GMS Digitalization Action Plan (2025–2027) by fostering dialogue, sharing innovations, and strengthening cooperation across the subregion.
Representing MI were Mr. Madhurjya K. Dutta, Director of the Trade and Investment Facilitation (TIF) Department, and Ms. Orn-uma Polpanich, Program Director of the Agricultural Development and Commercialization (ADC) Department. Both served as panelists in the session titled “Next-Gen Solutions in Agriculture, Tourism, and Trade,” which explored innovative digital tools transforming these key sectors and the policy and regulatory frameworks needed to scale innovation and promote cross-border cooperation.
Driving Digital Transformation in Trade and Investment
Mr. Dutta underscored MI’s commitment to advancing regional digital transformation through its ongoing initiatives across transport, logistics, and investment facilitation. He highlighted MI’s development of integrated IT platforms under various GMS projects—covering SME and SEZ development and an ESG IT platform for the decarbonization of the Mekong manufacturing sector.
He further introduced the GMS Logistics Database, a regional knowledge and data-sharing system designed to enhance trade efficiency and investment decision-making. The database also supports opportunities to digitalize transit documents in line with the Cross-Border Transport Agreement (CBTA), reflecting the priorities outlined in the GMS Digital Action Plan.
Emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration, Mr. Dutta called for greater interoperability and harmonization of digital systems to create an enabling environment for seamless cross-border trade. “Digital integration across the GMS is not only about technology—it’s about connectivity, trust, and shared prosperity,” he concluded.
Accelerating Agri-Food System Transformation Through Innovation
In her remarks, Ms. Orn-uma highlighted MI’s leadership in promoting digital innovation for sustainable agri-food systems. Through policy advocacy, capacity building, and applied research, MI’s ADC Department is supporting the digital transformation of agriculture to make it more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready.
A key initiative driving this transformation is the Community of Practice (CoP)—a regional collaboration and learning platform established by MI to facilitate cross-country knowledge exchange and scale good practices in food safety and climate-smart agriculture.
Drawing on findings from recent MI studies in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam, Ms. Orn-uma noted the rapid digital adoption among smallholders, particularly through integrated farmer platforms, IoT-enabled tools, and mobile financial services. These technologies are reshaping how farmers access data, markets, and finance.
To sustain this momentum, she emphasized the need for accessible financing, mentorship, and regional data-sharing mechanisms, supported by public–private partnerships and broadband infrastructure expansion. “Empowering farmers with digital tools is only the beginning,” she said. “Sustained collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities is essential to scale inclusive and climate-smart innovations that benefit all.”
Advancing a Shared Digital Future for the GMS
Through its active participation in the GMS Innovation Forum, MI reaffirmed its role as a regional knowledge hub and catalyst for innovation-driven development. Both directors’ contributions underscored MI’s strategic focus on leveraging digital transformation to enhance competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability in the GMS.
By aligning with the GMS Digitalization Action Plan and deepening collaboration with development partners and governments, MI continues to advance regional efforts that translate digital strategies into tangible benefits for businesses, farmers, and communities across the Mekong region.
About the Event
The GMS Innovation Week 2025 (October 27–31, 2025) convened government officials, technical experts, private sector leaders, and development partners to build skills, share innovations, and co-develop actionable roadmaps for digitalization in agriculture, tourism, and trade & investment. The week-long event supported participating economies in translating regional digital strategies into tangible national outcomes and strengthening the GMS’s position as a dynamic, digitally connected region.
