Category: Mekong
Asean’s focus on Mekong issues is crucial for region’s water security
Last month’s first-ever Water Security Dialogue showed the importance of involving young people and focusing on water resources development. As a historic show of unity between Asean and the Mekong River Commission, it will serve to enhance the ability of regional governments to tackle risks.
Three countries cooperate to audit water resources of Mekong River basin
Specifically, the amount of water from upstream to the Mekong Delta in 2020 decreased by 157 billion m3 compared to 2011, while the amount of sediment fell by 14 million tons compared to 2017 (37%).
Mekong countries endorse plan for post-pandemic growth
The projects are backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which said the pandemic has pushed eight million more people in GMS countries into poverty, adding that more than 340,000 migrant workers have been forced to return home.
ADB welcomes Mekong group’s 10-year development strategy
The ADB says for the first time the GMS has laid out a clear mission and the bank is willing to work with group members to bring economic growth and help combat threats such as climate change, trade barriers, rapid urbanization and pandemics such as the Coronavirus.
China promises to raise imports from ASEAN ahead of new rail link
“China will import more distinctive products from ASEAN, expand mutual investment, deepen the industrial supply chain and promote Lancang-Mekong cooperation,” referring to the evolving economic corridor with Indochina.
GMS leaders committed to overcome challenges for common growth
Hun Sen, who chaired the meeting, urged all GMS members to commit to further strengthen the cooperation and to resolutely pursue the strategies and priority actions charted in the two documents endorsed today.
Meth ‘Super Labs’ said to thrive in Myanmar coup chaos, spilling drugs across Mekong
“All the indications are that the military coup has been a win-win for these cartels,” Richard Horsey, senior Myanmar adviser to the International Crisis Group told VOA, adding that “super labs” producing ice have gone into overdrive whether they are run by “pro-military militias or anti-military armed groups.”
Israel, Mekong River nations sign cooperation accord amid water crisis
As part of the agreement, Israel will supply the organization with knowledge, experience and expertise in the field of agricultural drought in times of water crises.
Pushing ahead with large dam projects, despite uncertainty of power purchases
An official form the Lao Ministry of Mines stated that the government had not received a formal notice from the Thai Energy Ministry indicating that officials were not going to sign PPAs from the four Lao dams. “If Thailand doesn’t buy electricity from those four dams, we’ll sell it to China, Vietnam, and Cambodia,” said the official.