The Socialist Republic of Vietnam, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), hosted the 2nd GMS Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) of 2026 under the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Cooperation Program on June 29, 2026, in Hanoi, Vietnam. The meeting aimed to monitor the progress of preparations for the 28th GMS Ministerial Meeting and acknowledge the outcomes of operations under the GMS cooperation framework. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Hoang Hai, Deputy Director General of the Department of Debt Management and External Finance, Ministry of Finance of Vietnam, and Mr. Alfredo Perdiguero, Director of the Southeast Asia Regional Cooperation Division at the ADB. Senior officials from member countries and representatives from relevant agencies also attended. Representing Thailand, Ms. Sasitorn Phulattadej, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council, led the Thai delegation.<\/p>\n\n
The meeting discussed the readiness for the 28th GMS Ministerial Meeting and related meetings, scheduled for November 30 \u2013 December 3, 2026, under the theme “GMS in the Digital and Innovation Era: Advancing through Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration.” The focus is on promoting the application of technology and innovation while expanding the participation of all sectors in driving development. Additionally, preparations are underway for parallel forums, including the Development Partners’ Meeting, the Local Government Forum, and the GMS Business Council Meeting, to provide a platform for stakeholders to propose development ideas and projects, exchange views with sectoral working groups, and promote investment opportunities in the subregion.<\/p>\n\n
During the meeting, Thailand expressed the view that the GMS-2030 Strategic Framework remains appropriate and aligned with current development contexts and challenges. In the second half of the strategy’s implementation, the focus should be on driving policy into concrete action, alongside promoting fundraising and private sector participation to enhance project efficiency and scale up development outcomes in the subregion.<\/p>\n\n
Furthermore, Thailand reported on the progress of project proposals under the Regional Investment Framework (RIF) 2027-2029. Currently, Thailand has a total of 45 proposed projects, with the agriculture sector having the highest number. This reflects the importance Thailand places on strengthening food security, developing smart agriculture, applying green technology and innovation, and upgrading the agricultural value chain to support the sustainable growth of the subregion.<\/p>\n\n
The meeting also acknowledged key work plans for 2026, including: (1) the 14th Economic Corridors Forum (ECF-14), to be held on September 14-15, 2026, in Lao PDR, which will focus on driving corridor development from policy to practice, promoting inclusive labor mobility, and strengthening the role of local governments,<\/p>\n\n
and Special Economic Zones, as well as the application of innovation and digital technology to enhance the competitiveness of economic corridors; and (2) the 2nd GMS Innovation and Digital Transformation Forum, scheduled for September 29-30, 2026, in Vietnam, which will focus on developing transport innovation to collaboratively create a transport innovation ecosystem for the subregion.<\/p>\n\n
Additionally, the meeting acknowledged the progress of sectoral working groups, such as those in transport, urban development, the private sector, and the GMS Knowledge Network. These groups play a vital role in driving the GMS-2030 Strategic Framework to support inclusive and sustainable growth and enhance the long-term competitiveness of the subregion.<\/p>\n\n
By: International Strategy and Coordination Division