MI PRESENTS STRATEGIES TO STRENGTHEN COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Trade and Investment Facilitation
Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Mekong Institute (MI) Executive Director, called for the streamlining of regional and national COVID-19 recovery efforts to optimize “build forward better” impacts for a resilient Southeast Asian economy at a UNESCAP policy dialogue on May 5, 2021.

By working together in sharing information and pooling resources, we can effectively address gaps and respond to priority needs in a holistic manner,

The online event was organized in support of the launch of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2021. The report detailed impacts of the pandemic on development gains, which have impeded the path of meeting global objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  

Mr. Suriyan, who was one of five expert panelists, underscored that while regional frameworks and plans were readily available, focus must be directed at deploying concrete implementation plans and support mechanisms that fit the Asian context.

To make these happen, open and regular dialogue among regional and national stakeholders must be institutionalized

He added that increased capacity building investments will usher stronger policy reforms, fiscal packages, and programs to support vulnerable and marginalized groups and open economic borders to revitalize business activities, particularly those of small- and medium-sized enterprises who are the backbone of Southeast Asian economies.  

In view of long-term interventions, Mr. Suriyan suggested for the practical application of a “One Health” approach so countries can better detect and set systems that will mitigate the spread and impacts of infectious diseases across borders.

The UNESCAP policy dialogue was part of a series of discussions in 2021. Findings from the event will be consolidated into a report for submission to Southeast Asian governments to help build forward a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future in the region.

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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.