For a long time, the Mekong subregion has been a landscape marked by conflict. The echoes of the war, each inside and beyond its borders, reverberated throughout its communities, hampering cooperation and development. Today, it stands as a testament to the facility of dialogue and cooperation, wherein nations once at odds now forge a standard path toward connection and resilience. This remarkable transformation took center stage on the ASEAN Media Forum 2024 in Vientiane, Laos, where journalists and media leaders gathered to debate the longer term of the region.
A key panel session explored the complexities of Mekong connectivity, providing expert views on its history, progress and path forward. The featured panel included:
- Ambassador Yong ChanthalangsyAICHR Representative of the Lao PDR and Chairman of the AICHR
- Asst prof. Sineenat SermcheepDirector of the ASEAN Studies Center, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
- Ms. Azhar Jaimurzina DucrestHead of the Transport Communications and Logistics Section, ESCAP
- Mr. Shameer KhanalLeader of the ASEAN Cooperation Area, GIZ
A journey from dissent to diplomacy
In a fascinating speech, Ambassador Yong Chanthalangsy traced the Mekong subregion’s journey from conflict to cooperation. He recalled a time when tensions rose between nations, citing conflicts equivalent to the Vietnam War and border disputes that sowed discord amongst neighbors. Before the creation of ASEAN in 1967, distrust and fear forged an extended shadow over the region.
However, with the birth of ASEAN, a brand new era has dawned. Dialogue replaced discord, and cooperation initiatives began to develop. The Mekong River Commission (MRC), which replaced the Mekong Committee in 1995, and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) initiative in 1992 proved to be cornerstones of regional cooperation. Ambassador Chanthalangsy argued that this framework has played a key role in transforming the Mekong sub-region right into a sought-after international cooperation partner.
Inclusiveness: the important thing to unlocking potential
He stressed the importance of inclusiveness, noting that the MRC, initially covering Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, has correctly expanded its scope to China and Myanmar, recognizing their significant role within the Mekong basin. He explained that GMS played a key role in bringing these key players to the table, particularly in resolving key water management issues.
Ambassador Chanthalangsy highlighted the flourishing cooperation initiatives within the region, citing examples equivalent to the Mekong-Ganga cooperation with India, Japan-Mekong, South Korea-Mekong and various other partnerships. He emphasized that these initiatives have contributed significantly to the event of the sub-region, especially in less developed areas equivalent to the Laos-Vietnam-Cambodia triangle.
Connectivity: constructing bridges across borders
The ambassador passionately emphasized the importance of connectivity beyond physical infrastructure. He praised progress on the Kunming-Singapore rail network, a long-time dream of ASEAN, and stressed the necessity for fiber optic connections and power grids to weave a tighter tapestry of regional integration. He even touched on the growing demand for clean energy in light of upcoming EU due diligence directives, highlighting Singapore’s proactive approach on this regard.
Maintain growth, protect the environment
Mr. Shameer Khanal, Area Head of ASEAN Cooperation at GIZ, elaborated on connectivity, highlighting its key role in maintaining the impressive economic growth of the Greater Mekong sub-region. He emphasized that during the last forty years, GMS has achieved an annual growth rate of seven%, which proves the strength of regional cooperation and integration.
However, Khanal cautioned that this growth should be rigorously managed to make sure its sustainability. He emphasized the necessity to balance economic development with environmental protection, especially within the face of climate change. “Improved connectivity and tourism are essential drivers of prosperity,” he noted, “but we must prioritize environmental safeguards to ensure future generations inherit a healthy and thriving Mekong.”
Navigating the present, drawing the longer term
Following these insightful presentations, Ms. Azhar Jaimurzina Ducrest from ESCAP provided a comprehensive overview of the region’s transport connections. She acknowledged that there had been significant progress in the event of highways, railways and cross-border transport links, but additionally stressed the necessity to remove bottlenecks and capability constraints to make sure future growth. She emphasized the importance of multimodal transport and continuous improvement, constructing on past successes to fulfill upcoming challenges.
Associate Professor Sineenat Sermcheep then moved on to debate the economic implications of connectivity, highlighting the importance of cross-border trade and the necessity for improvements to maximise the advantages of free trade agreements (FTAs). She emphasized that while physical infrastructure is the backbone, it’s the seamless flow of products and services that actually unlocks the economic potential of the connected region.
Looking to the longer term, panelists expressed optimism in regards to the way forward for Mekong connectivity, emphasizing the necessity for continued collaboration, innovation and commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. They envisioned a future wherein the Mekong sub-region can be a vibrant center of economic activity and cultural exchange, contributing to the prosperity and stability of ASEAN as a complete.
