Vientiane: Today, we gather to commemorate the 9th anniversary of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC), a significant milestone that marks nearly a decade of fruitful collaboration among our member countries. On behalf of the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all governments and the people of MLC member countries on this remarkable occasion.
According to Lao News Agency, over the past nine years, the MLC has played a vital role in fostering peace, stability, and socio-economic development in the Mekong sub-region. Our shared commitment to cooperation has led to substantial progress in various sectors, including connectivity, production capacity, cross-border economic cooperation, water resource management, agriculture, and poverty reduction. These efforts have been essential in addressing the challenges posed by significant global consequences, such as the pandemic, climate change, economic difficulties, digital transformation, among others, where ou
r unified responses have demonstrated our strength and collective resolve.
As we move forward, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of mutual benefit and equal partnership which underpin our collaboration. The outcomes of the 4th MLC Leaders’ Meeting and the initiatives outlined in the Five-Year Plan of Action on Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (2023-2027) set a clear vision for deepening our cooperation. We look forward to continuing our efforts to effectively implement these initiatives, which will surely enhance our capabilities to address shared challenges and maximize our development potential.
In addition, not only raising the role of the Lao PDR in the regional and international arena from participating and contributing in various ways, the Lao PDR has realized significant benefits from its participation in the MLC. Through various initiatives funded by the MLC Special Fund, the Lao PDR has successfully implemented numerous projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure, human resource development
s, water resource management, connectivity, improving public health, and poverty reduction. For instance, the Laos-China Joint Poverty Alleviation Project has provided critical support for building health centers and developing training programs tailored to sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, with an approval of over 90 projects (since 2017) with a value of approximately 23 million USD, the Lao PDR has not only addressed immediate development needs but also cultivated the capacity for long-term socio-economic growth.
This collaborative framework has enabled the country to tap into shared resources and expertise, ultimately fostering a more resilient economy and improving the people’s livelihoods. The Lao PDR highly appreciates the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its continued cooperation and contribution to the MLC, particularly through the MLC Special Fund and various sub-regional programs that have brought tangible benefits to the people in the Mekong sub-region. The Lao PDR’
s active engagement in MLC underscores our commitment to mutual cooperation and mutual benefits among all MLC members.
As we celebrate this 9th anniversary of the MLC, let us renew our determination to take our cooperation to new heights, ensuring that the entire Mekong-Lancang community continues to thrive in peace, stability, and shared prosperity.