ACMECS countries must enhance financial and trade initiatives, digital economy networks, and e-governance networks, among others, in line with secure information and communication technologies.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing highlighted that Myanmar is striving to enhance cross-border trade opportunities with ACMECS member countries and to connect with regional economic corridors by developing its transportation infrastructure.
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivered a speech at the 10th Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit at Wyndham Grand Hotel in Kunming, China, yesterday afternoon.
Also present at the meeting were Cambodian Prime Minister Mr Hun Manet, Thai Prime Minister Ms Paetongtarn Shinawatra and party, Vietnamese Prime Minister Mr Pham Minh Chich, Lao Prime Minister Mr Sonexay Siphandone, ministers, deputy ministers and senior officers from the member countries and officials.
The Lao Prime Minister, the Summit Chairman, delivered an opening address, whereas the Cambodian Prime Minister gave a speech.
The ACMECS cooperation, which originated in Bagan of Myanmar in 2003, turned 21 years this year. Since its establishment, the ACMECS has played a vital role in the promotion of development in the region, narrowing development gaps and enhancing regional economic integration. As the ACMECS is formed with five Mekong region countries, the friendly relations between these five countries are based on long-lasting amicability and good neighbourhood relations.
Personally, the Senior General said that he recognizes Thailand's leadership and the collective efforts of ACMECS member countries in successfully negotiating the establishment of the ACMECS Interim Secretariat (AIS) and signing a Memorandum of Understanding between ACMECS member countries and the Mekong Institute (MI). The capabilities of the ACMECS Interim Secretariate have further enhanced the momentum of collaboration under the ACMECS framework, contributing significantly to regional integration efforts.
He expressed thanks for being able to confirm six collaborative development programmes between ACMECS and its primary partners, which will enable closer cooperation with partners in various fields of collaboration as outlined. These joint development initiatives present valuable opportunities for deeper partnerships, contributing to building a more comprehensive, resilient ACMECS community.
The Senior General highlighted that the interconnected transportation network serves as a solid foundation for transforming the ACMECS region into a development hub. Hence, all should establish a comprehensive transportation system that can encompass the entire region, enabling seamless connectivity between ACMECS and neighbouring countries.
He unveiled that Myanmar is striving to enhance cross-border trade opportunities with ACMECS member countries and to connect with regional economic corridors by developing its transportation infrastructure. Moreover, efforts to expand energy transmission and electricity distribution networks aim to reduce development gaps between urban and rural areas, which will also benefit the entire ACMECS region.
He noted that ACMECS countries must enhance financial and trade initiatives, digital economy networks, and e-governance networks, among them, in line with secure information and communication technologies.
The Senior General explained that the trade and investment sector is a crucial driving force for economic growth, significantly influencing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation rate, economic growth rate, employment levels, and social indicators in ACMECS countries. By simplifying and strengthening trade and investment regulations, it will visibly and positively impact regional economies and the quality of life of the population.
He added that Myanmar invites development partners from ACMECS member countries to engage in trade and investment activities in the country. Agriculture stands as a primary source of food production in the ACMECS region, including Myanmar, and serves as a critical livelihood for rural communities, who make up a majority of the population within the ACMECS region.
The Senior General said he encourages the private sectors within ASEAN countries, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, to participate actively in modern economic programmes under the ASEAN framework. Myanmar is striving to enhance national economic stability and increase employment opportunities by prioritizing development initiatives led by the private sector.
He expressed his desire to enhance social and cultural interactions through travel industry development programmes in ACMECS countries and to implement the 'Five Nations, One Journey' initiative. This will help promote peace and economic prosperity, as well as support the establishment of a cohesive and beneficial ACMECS community. Assuming the chairmanship of ACMECS, Myanmar is committed to working together with ACMECS member countries to continue driving the region's development seamlessly and continuously with great enthusiasm.
Myanmar is actively prioritizing collaboration with neighbouring countries within the Mekong subregion. In line with this, Myanmar will continue to engage constructively under the ACMECS framework, building on the longstanding friendship, good neighbourliness, mutual understanding, respect, and shared benefits among ACMECS member countries.
Prime Ministers of Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos made speeches, and at the meeting declared New Zealand as a second-batch ACMECS development country. Next, the Vientiane declaration was released, and the master plan of ACMECS was added to the Paper on Cooperation in Water Resources in the Mekong Region.
The Prime Minister of Laos handed over the alternate chairmanship of ACMECS to the Senior General.
In his speech, the Senior General said that during the chairmanship of ACMECS, Myanmar will continue to implement the previous development programmes to ensure that all ACMECS member countries benefit from the advantages gained through regional development initiatives.
Moreover, Myanmar is committed to effectively pursuing the creation and implementation of fundamental development strategies.
The Myanmar government intends to continue its efforts to develop and strengthen the ACMECS region as a fully integrated and prosperous area, following the path set by previous leaders.
As the new chairperson assumes office, it is hoped that the challenges will be overcome and that the objectives of ACMECS cooperation will be successfully achieved, with the farsightedness, vision, and collaboration of all member countries.
The 10th Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit aims to enhance competitiveness in the border regions of the developing countries, foster more development and growth, facilitate the relocation of agricultural and manufacturing activities in areas with better opportunities, create job opportunities, reduce income disparities between member countries, and continuously promote peace, stability, and equitable prosperity for all through sustainable development strategies. — MNA/TTA
