On November 7, 2024, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, attended the 8th Leaders’ Meeting of the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Program (GMS) in the Greater Mekong Subregion 6 countries in Kunming, Yunnan Province, People’s Republic of China. Mr. Li Qiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China, chaired the meeting, along with leaders from four other Mekong subregion countries, including the Kingdom of Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and Socialist Republic of Vietnam, together with the President of the Asian Development Bank. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Maris Sa-nguanpong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance, as the Minister for the GMS Program, and Mr. Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council, as the Thai Senior Official, also attended the meeting.
At the meeting, leaders from all 6 countries discussed under the main theme “Towards a Better Community Through Innovation-driven Development”. They all expressed their commitment to pursue cooperation under the GMS program by supporting technology and innovation for sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly development, as well as promoting the transition to a green and digital economy, while continuously enhancing interconnectivity. Furthermore, all country leaders endorsed two outcome documents: (1) the Greater Mekong Subregion Innovation for Development Strategy 2030, and (2) the 8th GMS Leaders’ Joint Statement. Additionally, the GMS leaders acknowledged the progress made over the past year, particularly the significant advancements in key projects, especially the resumption of the GMS Cross-Border Transport Agreement (CBTA). This agreement has facilitated more efficient transportation of goods and travel between member countries, as well as increased trade and investment opportunities in the subregion.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister delivered a statement emphasizing Thailand’s commitment to working towards the development of the Mekong subregion, in line with the Thai government’s policy of being a promoter of peace and shared prosperity in the subregion. The key points were as follows:
1. Support comprehensive connectivity through the development of seamlessly connected infrastructure, including the development of harmonized regulations to facilitate efficient cross-border trade and transport. This includes expanding the development and investment in large-scale physical and transport infrastructure, such as the Bangkok-Vientiane international railway implementation plan and the new airport development plan.
2. Emphasize the development of competitiveness to prepare for future challenges, especially in developing financial services and technologies for a cashless society, along with modernizing industries and leveraging innovation through the promotion of the digital economy in the subregion.
3. Promote cooperation among all sectors on various important issues, particularly social and environmental matters, such as gender equality, access to quality education, modern and inclusive public health services, green economy, and clean energy. Support the Mekong subregion in jointly promoting human security and ensuring social security, expanding social welfare coverage, and promoting development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda.
The Prime Minister is confident that this 8th GMS Leaders’ Meeting will strengthen cooperation in joint development and create an environment conducive to regional integration. This vigorous cooperation will drive the Mekong subregion towards becoming a more integrated, prosperous, sustainable subregion that leaves no one behind.
The next GMS Leaders’ Meeting is scheduled to be held in 2027, hosted by the government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
International Strategy and Cooperation Division
Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council
November 7, 2024