Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia – The Mekong Institute (MI) recently hosted a “Structured Learning Visit on Regional Program Development and Management: Insights from International Organizations” from October 27 to November 1, 2024. This initiative brought together a delegation of 22 government officials representing line ministries across seven priority sectors in five Mekong countries. The primary goal was to enhance their understanding of regional issues and foster initiatives for regional cooperation.
This event is part of the three-year regional project titled “Capacity Building on Regional Project Design, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation of MKCF Projects (PRIME Project),” which is supported by the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF). The activity aimed to broaden participants’ perspectives on current cross-cutting regional project interventions, deepen their understanding of regional issues for designing and implementing cooperative projects that promote development in the Mekong region and the Republic of Korea (ROK), and establish a collaborative network for sector-wise partnerships among line ministry officials to contribute effectively to regional integration, cooperation, and development.
The SLV program commenced with a half-day inception workshop on October 28, 2024, followed by a half-day synthesis, evaluation, and closing session on October 31. Participants also engaged in four meetings and visits to international organizations in Cambodia, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. During the inception workshop, participants received crucial information about the MKCF, the PRIME project, and the structure of the SLV. They were organized into four groups composed of members from various countries and sectors under MKCF support. This arrangement facilitated connections among participants and prepared them for sector learning at the end of the trip while also initiating a network for future collaboration in project design and implementation.
The meetings with international development partners in Phnom Penh provided valuable learning opportunities for all delegates. Engaging discussions took place with the Deputy Representative of UNDP in Cambodia, national food safety experts from UNIDO, project managers, regional program team leaders, and program advisors. Participants exchanged diverse perspectives on regional issues, strategies, and project management mechanisms relevant to specific sectors associated with MKCF—including Agriculture, Environment, Infrastructure, Human Resource Development, Culture, and Tourism. For effective implementation of regional projects, it is essential for Mekong countries to collaborate closely by establishing coordination bodies within each country that actively engage their respective governments. This collaboration should promote knowledge sharing among countries, advocate for supportive policies, and maintain long-term partnerships to maximize project impacts and ensure success.
In his opening and closing remarks, Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, MI’s Director of the Trade and Investment Facilitation (TIF) Department and MKCF representative, emphasized that both the PRIME project and the learning visit serve as unique platforms for participants to generate ideas for project interventions and propose solutions to address regional challenges. With insights gained from this learning visit, participants are expected to share knowledge in their home countries while maintaining contact and collaboration after the visit to refine project ideas and co-develop proposals. They are encouraged to apply for MKCF funding support by early 2025.
