The two-day event themed “Towards a New Decade of GMS Strategic Development Partnership” drew the participation of member nations including Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, China and Vietnam.

The Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Initiative (GMS Initiative) was launched by the Asian Development Bank in 1992 to promote economic development cooperation among GMS countries for mutual benefits and turn the GMS into a rapid and prosperous region in South East Asia.

According to the agenda, the GMS summit will focus on discussing a report on the results of the investment and business conference, the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) including one on joint action to reduce HIV vulnerability related to population movement, and another on cooperation to develop the Information Superhighway Network.

Being an active member of GMS, Vietnam has always been fully aware of the important need for GMS cooperation and international economic integration to fulfill its socio-economic goals. By the end of this year, Vietnam has participated in GMS projects with a total capitalization of more than US$2 billion.

Together with other participants in the GMS summit, Vietnam will put forth initiatives to promote cooperation in the interests of each nation.

Right after the event, PM Dung will begin an official visit to Myanmar on December 21. In recent years, Vietnam and Myanmar have well developed their traditional relationship and multi-faceted cooperation through the regular exchange of high-ranking delegations. In the first ten months of this year, their two-way trade turnover reached US$125 million, up 46 percent compared to the same period last year.

Both sides are resolved to implement the agreements reached by high-level leaders of the two countries and strengthen co-ordination at regional and international forums such as ASEAN, ARF, CLMV, ACMECs, and EWC.

The PM’s visit to Myanmar and the fourth GMS Summit will contribute to developing strategic cooperation between the two countries, bringing the relations among Vietnam and Myanmar, especially among GMS nations to a new level for the sake of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.