For decades, the Mekong sub-region was a landscape scarred by conflict. The echoes of war, both within and beyond its borders, reverberated through its communities, hindering cooperation and development. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of dialogue and collaboration, with nations once at odds now forging a shared path towards connectivity and resilience. This remarkable transformation took center stage at the 2024 ASEAN Media Forum in Vientiane, Laos, where journalists and media leaders gathered to discuss the future of the region.
A key panel session delved into the complexities of connectivity in the Mekong, featuring expert perspectives on its history, progress, and the path forward. The distinguished panel included:
- Ambassador Yong Chanthalangsy, AICHR Representative of Lao PDR and AICHR Chair
- Asst Prof Sineenat Sermcheep, Director, ASEAN Studies Center, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
- Ms Azhar Jaimurzina Ducrest, Chief, Transport Connectivity and Logistics Section, ESCAP
- Mr Shameer Khanal, Cooperation Area Lead ASEAN, GIZ
A Journey from Discord to Diplomacy
Ambassador Yong Chanthalangsy, in a captivating address, traced the Mekong sub-region's journey from conflict to cooperation. He recalled a time when tensions flared between nations, citing conflicts such as the Vietnam War and border disputes that sowed discord among neighbors. Prior to ASEAN's establishment in 1967, mistrust and apprehension cast a long shadow over the region.
But with the birth of ASEAN, a new era dawned. Dialogue replaced discord, and collaborative initiatives began to flourish. The Mekong River Commission (MRC), succeeding the Mekong Committee in 1995, and the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) initiative in 1992 emerged as cornerstones of regional cooperation. These frameworks, Ambassador Chanthalangsy argued, have been instrumental in transforming the Mekong sub-region into a sought-after partner for international collaboration.
Inclusivity: A Key to Unlocking Potential
He stressed the importance of inclusivity, noting that the MRC, initially comprising Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, wisely expanded its scope to include China and Myanmar, recognizing their significant roles in the Mekong River basin. The GMS, he explained, played a crucial role in bringing these key players to the table, particularly in addressing critical water management issues.
Ambassador Chanthalangsy highlighted the blossoming of cooperative initiatives in the region, citing examples like the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation with India, Japan-Mekong, South Korea-Mekong, and various other partnerships. These initiatives, he emphasized, have contributed significantly to the development of the sub-region, particularly in less developed areas like the Lao-Vietnam-Cambodia triangle.
Connectivity: Building Bridges Beyond Borders
The Ambassador passionately championed the importance of connectivity beyond physical infrastructure. He lauded the progress made on the Kunming-Singapore railway network, a long-held dream of ASEAN, and emphasized the need for fiber optic and power grid connections to weave a tighter tapestry of regional integration. He even touched upon the growing demand for clean energy in light of the EU's upcoming due diligence directives, highlighting Singapore's proactive approach in this regard.
Sustaining Growth, Preserving the Environment
Mr. Shameer Khanal, Cooperation Area Lead ASEAN at GIZ, expanded on the theme of connectivity, emphasizing its vital role in sustaining the impressive economic growth of the Greater Mekong Sub-region. He highlighted that over the past four decades, the GMS has achieved an annual growth rate of 7%, a testament to the power of regional cooperation and integration.
However, Mr. Khanal cautioned that this growth must be carefully managed to ensure its sustainability. He stressed the need to balance economic development with environmental protection, particularly in the face of climate change. "Better connectivity and tourism are essential drivers of prosperity," he noted, "but we must prioritize environmental safeguards to ensure that future generations inherit a healthy and thriving Mekong."
Navigating the Current, Charting the Future
Following these insightful presentations, Ms. Azhar Jaimurzina Ducrest from ESCAP provided a comprehensive overview of transport connectivity in the region. She acknowledged the significant progress made in developing highways, railways, and cross-border transport links, but also emphasized the need to address bottlenecks and capacity constraints to accommodate future growth. She stressed the importance of multi-modal transport and continuous improvement, building on past successes to meet the challenges ahead.
Asst Prof Sineenat Sermcheep then brought the discussion to the economic implications of connectivity, highlighting the importance of cross-border trade and the need for streamlined facilitation to maximize the benefits of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). She emphasized that while physical infrastructure lays the groundwork, it is the seamless flow of goods and services that truly unlocks the economic potential of a connected region.
Looking ahead, the panelists expressed optimism about the future of Mekong connectivity, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable and inclusive development. They envisioned a future where the Mekong sub-region serves as a vibrant hub of economic activity and cultural exchange, contributing to the prosperity and stability of ASEAN as a whole.
