|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Vietnam continues to demonstrate regional leadership in digital transformation, sustainable development, and innovation as highlighted during the 9th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang led the Vietnamese delegation at the meeting, which brought together representatives from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, China, and Vietnam. The gathering marked a significant milestone in advancing cooperation and addressing shared challenges among the six member countries.
Deputy Minister Hang reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong commitment to the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation, highlighting the country’s proactive role in driving regional integration and development. As a digitally ambitious nation, Vietnam is a key advocate for expanding digital transformation and advancing technological capabilities in the Mekong-Lancang region.
During her address, Deputy Minister Hang highlighted five notable achievements of the MLC in recent years: closer coordination mechanisms, more effective and practical cooperation, broader areas of collaboration, deeper involvement across multiple sectors, and tangible benefits for the people. Vietnam’s proactive stance in advancing these objectives reflects the country’s strategic vision of building a modern, connected, and resilient Mekong-Lancang region.
One of Vietnam’s key proposals centred on the need to enhance connectivity, expand markets, and strengthen sustainable supply chains among the member nations. Scientific and technological advancements are essential drivers of regional growth, particularly through initiatives like the Mekong-Lancang Innovation Corridor. This initiative aims to foster innovation, accelerate digital transformation, and support the development of a knowledge-based economy in the region.
Vietnam also emphasised the significance of a green and sustainable approach to development, looking for closer coordination in managing and using natural resources and responding to the impacts of climate change. Recognising the critical role of water resources in the region, Vietnam proposed strengthening collaboration in flood and drought management, sharing hydrological data and conducting joint research to ensure sustainable water management.
Additionally, Deputy Minister Hang suggested establishing a “Mekong-Lancang Water Day” to raise awareness of the importance of preserving and protecting the region’s water resources.
The theme of the meeting, “Towards a Safer and Cleaner Mekong-Lancang Community”, aligns with Vietnam’s broader vision of leveraging digital transformation, green technology, and artificial intelligence to address emerging challenges. Participants explored opportunities presented by new development trends, such as digital and green transformations, technological advancements, and the application of AI for sustainable development.
Vietnam’s leadership in the MLC extends beyond infrastructure and technological advancements. The country is also committed to fostering people-to-people exchanges, youth engagement, and partnerships among businesses and localities across the member countries. Towards the 10th anniversary of the MLC in 2025, Vietnam proposed initiatives to strengthen these connections, encourage innovation from younger generations, and explore new avenues for cooperation.
Vietnam’s proposals received broad support from other member countries, and many of them were incorporated into the roadmap for future cooperation under the MLC framework. The meeting also saw the adoption of three new initiatives focused on enhancing water resource management, building a clean environment, and combating cross-border crimes. These initiatives reflect the shared commitment of the member countries to address critical regional issues while pursuing sustainable development goals.
As the Mekong-Lancang region faces increasingly complex challenges, Vietnam’s forward-looking approach and emphasis on digital transformation, sustainability, and innovation are shaping the future direction of the cooperation framework. The 9th MLC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting underscored Vietnam’s growing influence and leadership in driving the region towards a more connected, resilient, and digitally advanced community.
Looking ahead, Vietnam remains dedicated to leveraging its regional leadership to foster collaboration, build strong partnerships, and promote shared prosperity across the Mekong-Lancang region. The next MLC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is set for 2025 in China to further deepen ties and advance regional goals.
