Vientiane, Lao PDR, 26 May 2026 – More than 40 stakeholders from across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), including chambers of commerce and financial institutions, convened for the two-day GMS Agribusiness Sector Consultation Workshop to map out the governance mechanisms and steps for establishing a regional agribusiness network. Mekong Institute (MI) Executive Director Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn joined the discussions, which were organized and facilitated by the GMS Program Secretariat at the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
In his intervention, Mr. Suriyan underscored the importance of stronger collaboration between knowledge institutions and the private sector in advancing regional agribusiness development. He shared MI’s role as an intergovernmental organization supporting regional cooperation and integration across trade, agriculture, energy, and related sectors, noting that its long-standing experience in capacity development and regional initiatives offers practical lessons for shaping the proposed GMS Agribusiness Network.
“The proposed network should have a clear value proposition, effective leadership, a dedicated secretariat, and a sustainable funding model,” said Mr. Suriyan. “The network should begin with a practical, action-oriented approach capable of delivering quick wins while building long-term credibility across the GMS.”
The workshop sought to define the network’s governance structure, operational framework, membership criteria, and terms of reference. Discussions also covered key challenges and opportunities facing the agribusiness sector in the GMS, including the network’s potential role in informing government policymaking.
Participants also explored ADB financial instruments, country perspectives on bridging SME finance gaps, and opportunities for regional cooperation in sustainable agriculture financing, digital agriculture, cross-border supply chain finance, and data and traceability systems.
The network is envisioned to serve as a platform for private sector collaboration and operate in coordination with the GMS Business Council. Mr. Suriyan noted that its development should align with the GMS Kunming Strategy Framework 2030, be recognized by government agencies, and operate on a pre-competitive basis that promotes shared learning and public benefit rather than individual commercial interests.
ADB is expected to lead the next phase of the network’s establishment, with a roadmap to be developed between June and September 2026. The process will involve preparing draft network documentation, including its mandate, sustainability framework, and an indicative work plan for 2027.
The draft documents will be circulated to GMS chambers of commerce and other relevant stakeholders for review, followed by a virtual consultation to consolidate feedback and build consensus. Finalized documentation is expected by the end of August 2026 for formal review and endorsement by participating chambers and workshop stakeholders.
The process will culminate in September 2026 with the planned first in-person meeting of the GMS Agribusiness Network, to be held alongside the annual meeting of the GMS Working Group on Agriculture in Bangkok. During the meeting, the network is expected to formally present its initial engagement agenda and priority actions.
