Khon Kaen, October 1, 2025 — Mekong Institute (MI) was honored to welcome H.E. Mark Gooding OBE, British Ambassador to Thailand, during his visit to Khon Kaen.

Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, Director of Trade and Investment Facilitation, received the Ambassador and provided an overview of MI’s mission, as well as its forthcoming Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2030). He also presented the scope and roles of MI’s thematic programs.

In his briefing, Mr. Dutta highlighted MI’s work in promoting regional trade and investment facilitation. He further invited his colleagues to present their programmatic areas:

Ms. Guohua Liu, Director of Sustainable Energy and Environment, who shared MI’s initiatives on clean energy transition, environmental sustainability, and cross-border energy cooperation. She also highlighted MI’s work in addressing climate change, promoting health and well-being, and advancing the green and creative economy across the Mekong subregion.

Ms. Ornuma Pholpanich, Director of Agricultural Development and Commercialization, who outlined MI’s programs to strengthen agribusiness value chains, promote food security, and advance commercial opportunities for smallholders across the region.

The Ambassador expressed keen interest in MI’s regional role and commended the Institute’s efforts in advancing connectivity, sustainability, and inclusive growth in the Mekong subregion. He conveyed his intention to further explore opportunities for collaboration between the United Kingdom and MI in the near future.