On August 15, 2025, the 10th Mekong - Vietnam Foreign Ministers' Trade Cooperation (MLC) Conference took place in An Ninh City (kmene, Yunnan, China) with the participation of Foreign Ministers of MLC member countries including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, China and Vietnam.
At the invitation of Politburo member and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son led the Vietnamese delegation to attend the conference.
The conference with the theme "Golden decade: Resolutely and united to build a better community".
Speaking at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son affirmed that Vietnam has, is and will continue to actively contribute to MLC cooperation to achieve new changes, towards the goal of building a peaceful and prosperous future for the people; at the same time, proposing a three-pronged strategy for MLC cooperation in the next golden decade.
Firstly, MLC strengthens comprehensive connectivity in transportation, trade and people, accordingly countries need to accelerate the construction and operation of key infrastructure projects to ensure a smooth logistics network in the region; soon sign the ASEAN - China Free Trade Agreement 3.2; deploy the construction of a smart customs system and smart border gates to simplify customs procedures; China opens markets for agricultural products of Mekong countries to promote trade in a balanced and harmonious direction.
Countries also need to increase dialogue, enhance political trust, raise awareness among people of other countries about the MLC mechanism, and encourage the participation of young people - future generations in cooperation activities.
Second, MLC demonstrated its pioneering role in applying science, technology and innovation to promote rapid and sustainable growth of the sub-region, proposing that the MLC Special Fund provide scholarships and internship programs at leading Chinese universities and high-tech companies for students and young businesses in Mekong countries; research and support Mekong countries to build high-tech laboratories; increase the participation of the private sector in promoting innovation.
Third, MLC is determined to promote sustainable development with a focus on fair and sustainable water resource management; enhancing the application of science and technology in sharing meteorological and hydrological data; promoting cooperation between the MLC Center for Water Resources Cooperation and the Mekong River Association; promoting the implementation of the MLC Initiative to enhance Water Resources Cooperation; improving the capacity of Mekong - Lan Trade officials through dispatch work programs at the MLC Water Resources Cooperation Center using the MLC Special Fund.
