2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the formation and development of the Mekong - Lancang Cooperation Mechanism (MLC), with the participation of 6 riverside countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, China and Vietnam. Looking back at the achievements of MLC, in the article "Mekong - Lancang Cooperation: A Decade Together to Create a Sustainable Future", Politburo Member, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung said that the joint efforts of the 6 countries have created a solid cooperation foundation, made outstanding progress and affirmed the position of a typical sub-regional cooperation mechanism.
Sustainable water management cooperation has achieved substantial and encouraging progress.
Regional connectivity is strengthened. Many important infrastructure projects are being implemented, such as 3 railway lines connecting Vietnam with China, or the Hanoi - Vientiane/Vinh - Thanh Thuy expressway will supplement cross-border traffic, gradually forming new economic - logistics corridors, thereby promoting links between member countries and creating a spreading momentum throughout the sub-region.
Vietnam - a proactive and responsible contributor
Minister Le Hoai Trung affirmed that Vietnam has made important contributions in both strategic orientation and specific cooperation initiatives, promoting MLC cooperation and cooperation mechanisms between Mekong and partners such as India, the US, Japan and South Korea to more effectively meet the development needs of the sub-region.
In the spirit of promoting the strengths of the sub-region, Vietnam has made many proposals on strengthening infrastructure connectivity, logistics, supply chains, promoting digital economic development as well as linking the MLC mechanism with regional frameworks, especially ASEAN, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) and the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS).
These contributions not only show that Vietnam is an active and responsible member in Mekong - Lan Thuong cooperation, but also contribute to ensuring harmony of interests, especially in sustainable management of Mekong water resources and sustainable development of the Mekong Delta.
From Vietnam's initial proposals, a mechanism for sharing hydrological information and data between the MLC Water Resources Cooperation Center and the MRC Secretariat has been established, linking water resource cooperation with climate change adaptation, environmental protection and sustainable development.
New era of development of Mekong - Lan Thuong cooperation
The Mekong Subregion and China are entering a new decade of development with many intertwined opportunities and challenges, in which the requirement for sustainable development, adapting to instability and improving competitiveness is becoming increasingly urgent.
According to Minister Le Hoai Trung, in the new context and new requirements, Vietnam recognizes 3 focuses of Mekong - Lan Thuong cooperation in the coming time.
First, persistently consolidate friendly relations, maintain dialogue and sincere and frank consultations based on the principles of consensus, equality, respect for international law and the legitimate rights of countries.
Second, steadfastly pursue more substantive cooperation, suitable to the development priorities of countries, solve new common challenges, and ensure the legitimate interests of all members, especially in the fields of water resource management...
Third, resolutely put people at the center, ensuring that all cooperation activities are directed towards welfare, livelihoods and development opportunities for people. MLC cooperation through specific programs on high-quality human resource training, rural development, education, health, social security and strengthening people-to-people exchanges...
Minister Le Hoai Trung affirmed that Vietnam has been, is and will continue to actively contribute to MLC cooperation to achieve new steps, towards the goal of building a Community of Shared Future for peace, prosperity and sustainable development between Mekong - Lan Thuong countries.
