The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that on the afternoon of November 7, the 10th Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy Summit (ACMECS) was held with the participation of Heads of Government/Heads of Delegations from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
Speaking at the Conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam will continue to actively, proactively and creatively participate in the ACMECS development process, striving to build "a strong ACMECS for an ASEAN of solidarity, unity in diversity and equal development".
The Prime Minister said that this is the time for ACMECS to define a new mission, which is to work together to build a community of Mekong countries that is united, strong and sustainably developed.
Accordingly, ACMECS cooperation in the coming period needs to converge on the spirit of "5 commons": common aspiration, common vision, common determination, common voice and common action.
With such a view, the Prime Minister proposed six contents for ACMECS cooperation to make a breakthrough in the coming period.
One is the mindset of linking actions, ensuring smoothness from strategy development to actual implementation. Accordingly, the Prime Minister announced that Vietnam will contribute 10 million USD to the ACMECS Development Fund.
Second, tradition is linked with modernity, ensuring synchronous and harmonious development between traditional economic sectors and new and modern technological sectors.
It is necessary to prioritize comprehensive and extensive digital transformation through mobilizing capital for investment in infrastructure and digital services; supporting start-ups and innovation; applying digital technology to the manufacturing and processing industry, information and communications, finance, banking, digital customs, and smart border gates.
Third is rapid growth linked to sustainability with a focus on promoting green transformation, building a circular economy, and a sharing economy.
In addition, it is necessary to promote cooperation among the five countries in the management and sustainable use of Mekong River water resources. ACMECS members are requested to promote the spirit of solidarity, political trust, increase information sharing, and consult each other on plans and projects related to Mekong River water resources.
There is a need to strengthen cooperation in disaster management through capacity building projects, building early warning systems among Mekong countries and developing resilient infrastructure.
Fourth, as a country that connects regionally and internationally, it is necessary to facilitate the circulation of goods, services and people's travel between the five countries; promote the simplification and harmonization of procedures, focus on developing transport infrastructure to connect intra-regionally and inter-regionally, especially the railway and highway systems.
Fifth, connecting the Government with the people and businesses. ACMECS action plans and projects need to take people and businesses as the center, subject, goal and driving force, bringing practical and inclusive benefits and leaving no one behind.
Sixth, linking development with maintaining stability and ensuring security.
The Prime Minister proposed that ACMECS strengthen cooperation in fighting cross-border crimes, especially drug crimes and cyber crimes, and not allow criminals to use the territory of one country to fight another.
The comments and proposals of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh were highly appreciated by the Conference and reflected in the Conference's documents.
At the end of the conference, the leaders adopted the Vientiane Declaration and witnessed the transfer of the ACMECS Chairmanship between Laos and Myanmar.
