MOU SIGNING PAVES THE WAY FOR INCREASED COOPERATION AND COLLABORATION

Establishing links with other regional organizations working to promote the increased flow of trade, business, investment, is a major goal of the Trade and Investment Division at the Mekong Institute (MI). 

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the MI and the Economic Research Institute for Trade (ERIT) a division of the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce is thus a natural fit for both parties. 

The MoU, signed in Vientiane on Monday 13 August, opens up a myriad of opportunities for collaboration and cooperation on projects of mutual interest. The agreement will enhance connections and cooperation on a wide variety of activities including joint research projects, workshops, seminars and regional and international forums. 

Attending the signing ceremony were officials from both sides including MI Director, Dr. Suchat Katima, and the Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR, Mr. Siaosavath Savengsuksa. 

Other representatives included MIs Trade and Investment Division Program Manger, Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, SME Program Specialist, Dr. Nittana Southiseng and Director General and Deputy General of ERIT (respectively), Mr. Santisouk Vilaychalern, and Mr. Bounyuen Khodsimueang. 

The MoU is a small yet crucial step forward in MIs ongoing mission to promote economic development in the GMS. The signing ceremony formalizes the common desire felt by both organizations to work together for a more prosperous region ready for AEC integration in 2015.

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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.