GMS countries tackle spurring inclusive growth

Ministers of Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries gathered in Chiang Rai, Thailand on December 2, 2016 to discuss ways and measures to realize inclusive growth and greater connectivity in the region.

The 21st Greater Mekong Subregion Ministerial Conference, which carried the theme "Spurring Inclusive Growth Along the GMS Economic Corridors,"was also attended by Stephen Groff, vice-president of Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The Chinese delegation was led by Dai Bohua, assistant finance minister and consisted of officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, as well as National Development and Reform Commission.

The ministers reviewed the progress of various GMS initiatives, passed a a mid-term review of GMS Regional Investment Framework Implementation Plan and endorsed suggestions of enhancing GMS mechanism and adjusting implementation plan of GMS economic corridors.

They also reviewed GMS Strategic Framework and its 5-year implementation plan during the conference and released a joint ministerial statement.

Dai praised achievements of the GMS economic cooperation and put forward three suggestions, namely linking GMS mechanism with Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China, accelerating the implementation of major infrastructure projects to enhance regional connectivity and promoting industrial cooperation through cooperation in innovation.

The GMS countries are Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. In 1992, with assistance from ADB, the six countries entered into a program of subregional economic cooperation designed to enhance economic relations among the countries.