Top 10 News Stories on 2023 Lancang-Mekong Cooperation

On December 12, 2023, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong engaged in a fruitful discussion at the headquarters of the CPV Central Committee. After the discussion, the two general secretaries observed a comprehensive display showcasing all the bilateral cooperation documents signed between China and Vietnam. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

On December 13, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a fruitful talk with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

The year 2023 marked the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia. Chinese President Xi Jinping held two  meetings with Cambodian King Sihamoni and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, while keeping strategic communications with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. They jointly mapped out the blueprint for China-Cambodia community of shared future in the new era. 

On February 24, 2023,Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan have a cordial meeting with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother NorodomMonineath Sihanouk at Yangyuanzhai of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

On the morning of September 15, 2023, President Xi Jinping held a friendly meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet during the latter’s official visit to China. The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

In October, the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation took place in Beijing, with the attendance of dignitaries from the Mekong countries. President Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos, President Vo Van Thuong of Vietnam, Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia, and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand participated in the forum and praised the Belt and Road Initiative for its positive impact on the subregion’s development. 

On October 18, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. During the event, Xi delivered a keynote speech entitled “Building an Open, Inclusive and Interconnected World for Common Development.” (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency) 

On October 19, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a meeting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and during his official visit to China. The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

On October 20, 2023, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of the People’s Republic of China, held a meeting with Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and during his working visit to China. The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

The head-of-statediplomacy injected valuable certainty and stability for the LMC sub-regional development, laying the foundation for a brighter future of the community of shared future among Lancang-Mekong countries.

High-level contacts among LMC countries promote mutual trust, propelling cooperation in various areas

In 2023, the six Lancang-Mekong countries further strengthened their good-neighborly relations and pragmatic cooperation, marked by frequent high-level exchanges between their governments. In this process, all parties prioritized development, fostering friendship and mutual trust, and advancing orderly cooperation across various domains.

On December 25, Chinese Premier Li Qiang participated in the fourth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting through a video link and co-chaired the event alongside Senior General Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of Laos, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam.

Li Qiang put forward a four-point proposal on strengthening Lancang-Mekong cooperation, including deepening integrated development, promoting green cooperation, strengthening security governance, and increasing people-to-people exchanges.

The attending leaders spoke highly of the significant achievements of Lancang-Mekong cooperation, recognizing it as a vital platform for improving the well-being of the region’s people, maintaining regional peace and development, and promoting regional economic integration. They reached a consensus on the importance of the six countries working together to address common opportunities and challenges, as well as collaboratively devising future plans for the advancement of Lancang-Mekong cooperation.

The meeting adopted the “Naypyidaw Declaration of the Fourth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting,” the “Five-Year Plan of Action on Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (2023-2027),” and the “Joint Initiative on the Building of an Innovation Corridor in the Lancang-Mekong Region.”

On the afternoon of December 25, 2023, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of China participated in the Fourth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting through a video link. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

On June 26, Chinese Premier Li Qiang held a friendly talk with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during the latter’s official visit to China. They also witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents.

On the morning of June 26, 2023, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh engaged in a fruitful meeting during the latter’s official visit to China. The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Prior to their discussion, Premier Li Qiang presided over a warm welcome ceremony for Prime Minister Chinh at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

On the afternoon of September 6, 2023, local time, Chinese Premier Li Qiang held a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the Series of Leaders’ Meetings on East Asia Cooperation in Jakarta. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

The frequent high-level exchanges among the governments of the six countries have further strengthened the foundation of Lancang-Mekong cooperation. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress, held meetings with Do Van Chien, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, as well as with Saysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of Laos, and other dignitaries in Beijing. Similarly, Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Pham Minh Chinh, a member of the Politburo of the CPV Central Committee and Prime Minister of Vietnam, alongside other prominent figures in Beijing.

On July 19, 2023, Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress, held a meeting in Beijing with Do Van Chien, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

On June 27, 2023, Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Pham Minh Chinh, a member of the Politburo of the CPV Central Committee and Prime Minister of Vietnam, in Beijing. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

On December 7, 2023, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe jointly hosted the eighth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Beijing. The meeting also saw the participation of Sok Chenda Sophea, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Bui Thanh Son, Vietnamese Foreign Minister, and Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Chairman of the Committee for External Relations of the LPRP Central Committee from Laos. (Photo credit: The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

On December 7, 2023, the eighth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting took place in Beijing. Chinese Foreign Minister, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, acknowledged the significant strides made in Lancang-Mekong cooperation, emphasizing its rapid development and extensive benefits. The continued expansion in the scope and depth of Lancang-Mekong cooperation has injected fresh vitality into the subregion’s prosperity and development, resulting in tangible advantages for the local population. During the meeting, participants reviewed the progress achieved in Lancang-Mekong cooperation, outlined key priorities for the next phase, and made preparations for the upcoming fourth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting. Relevant documents, including the Report on the Progress of the 2022 Five-Year Plan of Action on Lancang-Mekong Cooperation and the 2023 List of Projects Funded by the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, were shared during the gathering.  

Progress in LMC development belt fosters sound momentum for economic recovery 

In light of the challenging global economic conditions, including a sluggish world economy and high global inflation, the six Lancang-Mekong countries have collaborated closely since 2023 to pursue common aspirations of development and prosperity. They have prioritized regional connectivity, aiming to expand the scope for development, facilitate efficient exchanges of passengers, logistics, and information, and foster higher-quality cooperation in the region.

On April 13, 2023, the China-Laos Railway commenced the operation of international passenger trains, connecting Kunming in China to Vientiane in Laos. A photo captures the momentous occasion as an inaugural international passenger train passes by a tea mountain in Puer City, Yunnan Province. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

As of December 2, 2023, the China-Laos Railway has been in operation for two years, transporting more than 24.2 million passengers and 29.1 million tons of cargo. Serving as a vital thoroughfare, the railway has revitalized regional economic and social development.

On October 16, 2023, at the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, Cambodia, a jubilant crowd gathered on both sides of the passage to welcome to the passengers who had just disembarked from the inaugural incoming passenger flight. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency).

Regional connectivity has yielded remarkable outcomes, fostering accelerated regional development and cooperation. As of April 2023, the China-Laos Railway commenced operating international passenger trains in both directions, linking Kunming and Vientiane. In October, the inauguration of the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, Cambodia further bolstered seamless connectivity, promoting closer ties within the region.

On November 17, 2023, the inaugural all-rail express freight train connecting China, Laos, and Thailand departed from Chengdu International Railway Station. (Photo by Sichuan Daily)

On August 2, 2023, the inaugural China-Vietnam freight train, named “Yanzhao,” arrived at Yen Vien Station in Hanoi, Vietnam. It commenced its journey from Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway in Cambodia operates smoothly. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

As of December 10, 2023, the meter-gauge railway between China’s Kaiyuan and Vietnam’s Haiphong has witnessed the operation of over 4,260 China-Central Asia Railway Express trains. These trains have transported a cumulative total of over 1.68 million tons of cross-border cargo. The inaugural rail-water intermodal train left Guangxi for Yunnan, fully loaded with aluminathat had been transferred from Dong Nai, Vietnam. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway in Cambodia has operated smoothly.The first all-rail express freight train connecting China, Laos, and Thailand departed from Chengdu International Railway Station, signaling greater connectivity and increased trade opportunities.

Exhibitions and matchmaking meetings have emerged as significant platforms for fostering regional win-win cooperation. At the 6th China International Import Expo, products from Mekong countries garnered substantial attention and popularity among the audience. The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Economic and Technological Exhibition took place in Vietnam. The 4th Myanmar (Lashio)-China (Lincang) Border Economic and Trade Fair and the Myanmar (Naypyidaw)-China (Lincang) Economic and Trade Fair commenced in Naypyidaw, Myanmar. These events have created new opportunities for all participating parties.

Secure environment for development advances experimental zone for Global Security Initiative

The six Lancang-Mekong countries share a common aspiration to establish a secure environment conducive to development. Recognizing the evolving security landscape both globally and within the subregion, these countries have come together to practice the Global Security Initiative. Through cooperative efforts, they are actively exploring new approaches to security governance, thereby ensuring the robust maintenance of regional security and stability.

Since September 2023, China has been engaged in border police enforcement cooperation with the relevant law enforcement departments in Myanmar. As part of this collaboration, the local law enforcement departments in Myanmar have handed over a total of 706 suspects involved in telecommunications fraud to China. The handover occurred in two batches on September 25 and October 7, respectively. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

In 2023, China and the five Mekong countries collaborated effectively to address non-traditional security issues, including online gambling and telecommunications fraud. Notably, China and Myanmar achieved substantial advancements through their joint operations against telecommunications fraud. Law enforcement departments in northern Myanmar handed over a total of 41,000 suspects involved in telecommunications fraud to China. In December 2023, the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration of the Fourth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting emphasized the need to further strengthen pragmatic cooperation in law enforcement and safeguard social stability and people's lives and property safety in the subregion.

Notable events like the second Forum on Security Cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong Basin and the Lancang-Mekong Seminar on Non-Traditional Security Cooperation have been successfully organized. These events have played a crucial role in creating a favorable environment for Lancang-Mekong cooperation and have contributed positively to the collaborative efforts of establishing an experimental zone for the Global Security Initiative.

On December 19, 2023, the 136th China-Laos-Myanmar-Thailand joint patrol and law enforcement operation commenced on the Mekong River. The four participating countries dispatched a total of six law enforcement boats to carry out various duties. (Photo credit: chinanews.com)

As of December 2023, China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand have executed 136 joint patrol and law enforcement operations on the Mekong River, which have contributed to ensuring international navigation safety in the region. Furthermore, China and Laos fishery authorities collaborated on a series of joint law enforcement and fishery resources restocking efforts. These collective endeavors signify the commitment of the six Lancang-Mekong countries to collaborate and strengthen regional law enforcement and security cooperation.

Cooperation in digital domains generates new impetus for development of Digital Silk Road

In 2023, with a strong focus on digitalization, the six Lancang-Mekong countries proactively advanced cooperation in cooperation mechanisms, infrastructure development, scientific and technological applications, and talent cultivation. These efforts led to significant improvements in digital connectivity within the region. Through collaboration in various digital domains, new momentum was created for the development of the “Digital Silk Road,” allowing the six countries to jointly reap the benefits of the digital era and drive the recovery and development of the regional economy.

The six Lancang-Mekong countries have made active efforts to establish a comprehensive and diverse digital exchange and cooperation mechanism. During the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, China, along with Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, released the “Beijing Initiative on the Belt and Road International Digital Economy Cooperation.” This initiative presented 20 consensus items, including the emphasis on “enhancing digital connectivity and building the digital Silk Road.” Furthermore, the six countries put forth the “Joint Initiative on the Building of an Innovation Corridor in the Lancang-Mekong Region,” highlighting the significance of science and technology innovation in Lancang-Mekong cooperation and aiming to enhance exchanges and alignment of scientific and technological innovation policies among the countries. The Lancang-Mekong Cloud Computing Innovation Center, a platform dedicated to implementing China’s cloud computing technology and services in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and other Mekong countries, has gradually expanded its data service capacity to cover all six countries, making significant contributions to regional digital economy cooperation.

On September 15, 2023, a groundbreaking ceremony took place in Pingxiang, Guangxi, marking the initiation of the China-Vietnam Friendship Pass-Friendship Smart Port Project. (Photo credit: China Daily)

In the realm of digital talent training, representatives from colleges and universities across the six countries reached a series of agreements at the Forum for Economic Cooperation of National Resources and Joint Training of Digital Talents among the Countries in the Lancang-Mekong Region held in Pu’er City, southwest Yunnan Province, on October 26. They signed the “Initiative of the International Digital Talent Education Alliance in the Lancang-Mekong Region” to foster the rapid advancement of digital education. Additionally, a Chinese vocational technical institute conducted an education management training program in Phnom Penh to enhance the digital competencies of educators in Cambodia. Also, the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) organized a digital transformation training program with the participation of more than one hundred managers from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Vibrant people-to-people exchanges cultivate closer bonds among six countries

Friendship, which derives from close contact between the people, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. In 2023, the six countries further strengthened their people-to-people cooperation. This led to the development of more specialized cooperation projects in the fields of education, culture, tourism, sports, and media. Consequently, a strong sense of community was forged within the Lancang-Mekong region.

On June 21, 2023, a group of Laotian students were ready to board the “Lancang” EMU train in Vientiane, Laos. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

The exchange and cooperation in cultural and tourism endeavors has laid the foundation for the recovery and high-quality development of the regional cultural and tourism industry. The China-Laos Railway has significantly increased the influx of tourists to Laos from neighboring countries. Thailand introduced a five-month visa-free policy for Chinese tourists in September 2023. 

On September 24, 2023, the women’s singles team qualifiers (Group A) for Sepaktakraw at the Hangzhou Asian Games were held at the Jinhua Sports Center Gymnasium in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province. The photo captures Manlika Boonto (front) from Thailand taking charge of the attack. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

In 2023, the Hangzhou Asian Games ignited a fresh wave of sports exchanges between China and the five Mekong countries. The 2023 LMC China Sepaktakraw Open held inwest Yunnan’s Mangshi city, creating a platform for people-to-people exchanges and fostering closer bonds in the region.

Media exchanges are instrumental in deepening mutual trust and cooperation among nations. In 2023, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Media Summit served as a platform to explore fresh opportunities for media collaboration within the region. Other events like the 2023 China Video & Photography Week and the China-Laos Joint Interviews on High-Quality Development of the Belt and Road Initiative played a vital role in promoting mutual understanding, affinity, and connection among the people of the six countries.

Practical advancements were made in the cooperation related to Chinese language education and vocational education. The past year saw the successful organization of many events such as the Lancang-Mekong Open Education Cooperation and Exchange Forum.

On November 28, 2023, the “One River, One Family” China-Thailand People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges, together with the “Yunnan: A Many-Splendored Life” International Exchanges in Thailand, took place in Bangkok. This photo captured Thai guests immersing themselves in the exhibition area themed “Yunnan: A Many-Splendored Life,” where they explored the intangible cultural heritage products of Yunnan. To date, the topic “Yunnan: A Many-Splendored Life” has gathered an impressive collection of over 1.15 million pieces of information, with a remarkable readership of more than 21 billion. Over 630 overseas media outlets have covered this topic, reaching approximately 30 countries and regions around the world. (Photo credit: Yunnan Daily)

On December 2, 2023, the China Cultural Center in Yangon collaborated with the Myanmar Shunda Language Center to host the inaugural "Reading Corner" event. (Photo credit: China Cultural Center in Yangon)

On November 30, 2023, during the opening gala of the eleventh Culture and Art Festival of Countries in the Lancang-Mekong River Basin, talented dancers from Myanmar performed a captivating dance called “Auspiciousness”. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

The inaugural Lancang-Mekong Traditional Medicine Forum established a platform for the six countries to collaboratively enhance the development of traditional medicine and promote its prosperity. Alongside this significant event, the China-Laos Border Residents Gala and the “Colorful China — China-Cambodia Friendship Year” artistic performances showcased heartwarming stories of people-to-people exchanges.

Eco-conservation promotes sustainable development within the region

The people of the six countries are interconnected as they rely on the same river and aspire to a shared future. Guided by the “Lancang-Mekong Environmental Cooperation Strategy and Action Framework (2023-2027),” these nations have embraced a collective vision of green, low-carbon, and sustainable development. They have collaborated on a range of projects aimed at environmental protection and ecological conservation.

Delegates of the third Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Forum visited the demonstration project of small watershed management in Beijing.

（Photo credit: wb.beijing.gov.cn）

As a part of the Green Lancang-Mekong Initiative, the Study of Climate Resilient Cities and Communities was conducted successfully from April 27 to 28, 2023. Officials from ecological and environmental authorities in the six countries, along with representatives from international organizations and research institutions, participated in a field study held at the Xiongan New Area and the National Botanical Gardens in China. (Photo credit: The Lancang-Mekong Environmental Cooperation Center)

The six countries have continuously strengthened their practical collaboration on water resources. The third Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Forum took place in Beijing to further enhance water resources cooperation within the region. Notably, the “Demonstration of Integrated Management of Typical Small River Basin in Lancang-Mekong Countries (Phase III)” project was handed over to Cambodia, which has contributed to successful instance for water resources cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong countries. 

On September 16, 2023, a significant ceremony took place in China’s Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, marking the signing of the certificate for the handover of the demonstration cooperation project aimed at air quality improvement. (Photo credit: The Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center of the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment)

On November 29, 2023, a seminar on green and low (zero) carbon development of energy in the Lancang-Mekong region was held in Bangkok, Thailand. This seminar was jointly organized by the China Energy Research Society, the Mekong Institute, and the Research Center for Energy and Electricity Cooperation among Lancang-Mekong Countries. (Photo credit: The China Secretariat for Lancang-Mekong Cooperation)

China and Vietnam have strengthened their practical cooperation in key areas such as climate change response, environmental management, and plastic pollution control by signing a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in green development, climate change response, and environmental protection.

Collaboration on livelihood projects improves people’s well-being, paving way to common prosperity

The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation is rooted in people and aims to benefit them in return. During 2023, China and the five Mekong countries made ongoing efforts to implement sustainable, high-quality, and “small yet smart” programs that put people at the center. As a result, the people in the region experienced the positive outcomes of cooperation, leading to improvement in their well-being.

With support from the China NGO Network for International Exchanges, the “China-Laos Joint Screening and Treatment of Congenital Heart Disease” medical cooperation project team provided screening and treatment for congenital heart disease to approximately 6,000 kindergarten and primary and secondary school students aged 3 to 18 in various locations, including Vientiane, Oudomxay, and Luang Prabang, during the middle and late parts of June 2023. The photo depicts the Chinese medical team conducting free screenings for congenital heart disease among local children in Luang Prabang, northern Laos, on June 17. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund continued to provide support for the five Mekong countries in implementing projects aimed at improving the lives of their people. Additional “LMC Bumper Harvest” projects were initiated, contributing to the modernization of agriculture and rural areas in the region. The Lancang-Mekong Sweet Spring Action Plan was implemented to promote technical assimilation and demonstrations in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, and projects such as Vietnam’s project to improve the clean water supply system for agriculture in Khanh Binh Dong Commune, Tran Van Thoi District, Ca Mau Province, have been put into operation, effectively addressing the issue of safe drinking water for local villagers. The Lancang-Mekong Water Conservation and People Benefiting Program undertook over ten projects in the five Mekong countries, including the demonstration of water supply in rural areas, management of small river basins, and screening for risks associated with reservoirs and dams. An initial summary seminar on “developing community forestry to promote agroforestry practices and improve people’s livelihoods” was conducted in Myanmar, highlighting the positive ecological and economic outcomes brought about by the project for the people in the country. Furthermore, the bakery and pastry training program played a significant role in nurturing talent for Myanmar’s tourism and service industries, thereby increasing the economic earnings of local youths and women and injecting new vitality into the socio-economic development of Myanmar.

On August 18, 2023, medical professionals from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) team provided medical care to patients at Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Cossamak Hospital in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. (Photo credit: Xinhua News Agency)

In 2023, a team of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) experts was sent to Cambodia to offer complimentary healthcare services and promote health awareness among the local population. Moreover, they conducted professional training sessions for local medical professionals, furthering the development of the Cambodia-China Traditional Chinese Medicine Center.

Agricultural collaboration contributes to food diversity among LMC countries

Agriculture, holding a crucial position in the economies of the six countries, is considered a priority area within the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework. In 2023, significant progress was made in agricultural cooperation among these nations, with notable advancements in terms of cultivation areas, scale, and accomplishments.

The agriculture departments of the six countries adopted The Five-Year Plan of Action on Lancang-Mekong Agricultural Cooperation (2023-2027). Committed to building a six-pronged “Diamond” cooperation structure, China and Cambodia explored the building of a “Fish and Rice Corridor”. In 2023, Cambodian pepper gained permission to be exported to China. Similarly, Vietnam also saw an expansion in its agricultural trade with China, particularly in areas such as durian and other produce. These trade partnerships have allowed the six countries to leverage their agricultural strengths and share their advantages.

In 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of China implemented 13 LMC Bumper Harvest projects. These projects strengthened cooperation with the six countries in the areas of food crops, tropical crops, livestock and poultry breeding, fisheries, quality and safety, and digital agriculture. In addition, the third Lancang-Mekong Fruit Festival was organized to promote and deepen cooperation in agricultural trade and investment in fruit products. The Lancang-Mekong Rice and Fishery Scholarship offers opportunities for international students from Mekong countries to study in China. Furthermore, it has trained more than 1,000 agricultural officials, technicians and farmers, cultivating human resources for the green development of the subregion's agriculture, increasing farmers' income and promoting rural prosperity. The Lancang-Mekong Agricultural Cooperation Development Report 2022-2023 represents a knowledge product that shares experience on agricultural and rural development in the subregion.

From August 15 to 18, 2023, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CAATAS) conducts technical training on natural rubber in Laos. (Photo credit: China Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences)

On November 27, 2023, the Planting Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos, the School of Engineering of China Agricultural University, the B&R int’l agro-equipment and smart sci-tech innovation institute of China Agricultural University, the Lao Agricultural Production and Processing Association and the Lao Agricultural Industry Technology Group jointly signed a memorandum of understanding on Building a Joint Innovation Center for China-Laos Agriculture and Agricultural Mechanization Science and Technology. (Source: website of China Agricultural University)

International students, who received the Lancang-Mekong Rice and Fisheries Scholarship from Shanghai Ocean University, study and conduct research programs in China. (Photo credit: Shanghai Ocean University)

On September 1, 2023, the third Lancang-Mekong Fruit Festival took place in Beijing. Emphasizing the idea of “celebrating the diverse fruits of the Lancang-Mekong region,” the festival fostered the exchange of knowledge and experiences in fruit industry development, and showcased distinctive fruit varieties from the region. This photo captures the vibrant fruit culture section of the festival, featuring the Lancang-Mekong fruit bazaar where fruits unique to various countries were proudly displayed. (Photo credit: The Foreign Economic Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs)

On December 7, 2023, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Summit for Agriculture, Agricultural materials, Economy and Trade took place in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The summit was sponsored by the All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives (ACFSMC) and co-organized by the China-ASEAN Chamber of Agricultural Commerce (CACAC) and the Sichuan Supply and Marketing Cooperatives (SASMC). The summit helped in agricultural policy coordination, platform building, resource sharing and trade expansion. (Photo credit: Farmers’ Daily)

Pooling youth wisdom and energy for brand-new future of the LMC

Young individuals embody hope and hold the power to shape the future. In 2023, China and the five Mekong countries strengthened the bonds between their youth, fostering a stronger sense of community with shared future among the Lancang-Mekong nations.

On December 3, 2023, Fudan University's Lancang-Mekong Youth Exchange and Cooperation Center organized the second edition of the “Lancang-Mekong Youth Online” workshop. This event brought together young individuals from colleges and universities across six countries to discuss their perspectives on the role of youth in the Belt and Road Initiative’s development. The workshop facilitated the exchange of ideas among talented young individuals in the Lancang-Mekong region, while also raising their awareness about the importance of sustainable development in the region. (Photo credit: The China Secretariat for Lancang-Mekong Cooperation)

On July 20, 2023, the final round of the seventh Youth Innovation Competition on Lancang-Mekong Region’s Governance and Development (YICMG) took place at Qinghai University. Young individuals, experts, and scholars from the six countries came together to engage in discussions on “new agriculture and food security.” The photo depicts the participants of the YICMG. (Photo credit: The WeChat public account of the School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University)

On December 2, 2023, an engaging dialogue took place in Kunming, China. The Lancang-Mekong Young Technopreneur Leaders Dialogue, organized by the Beijing International Exchange Association (BIEA) and Kunming University of Science and Technology (KUST), brought together representatives from China, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. The discussion focused on two topics: empowering Lancang-Mekong youth in science and entrepreneurship, and leading the future development of the region through innovation. This photo captures a panel discussion on the topic of “empowering Lancang-Mekong youth in science and entrepreneurship” during the dialogue. (Photo credit: The Beijing International Exchange Association)

From February 27 to 28, the 2023 Lancang-Mekong Youths Lijiang Challenge took place. Young representatives from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam gathered to explore the rich culture and traditions of Lijiang through a series of activities. In the photo, participants can be seen inscribing their wishes onto wind chimes using the Dongba script. (Photo credit: Yunnan Daily)

The second “Lancang-Mekong Youth Online” workshop was held, bringing together young individuals from colleges and universities in six countries. They gathered to share their perspectives on the involvement of youth in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative. Additionally, the seventh Youth Innovation Competition on Lancang-Mekong Region's Governance and Development (YICMG) focused on agricultural development and food security. Moreover, the Lancang-Mekong Young Technopreneur Leaders Dialogue inspired young people in the six countries to pursue entrepreneurship and innovation. In 2023, the Lancang-Mekong Youths Lijiang Challenge provided an opportunity for young individuals from the six countries to explore cultural diversity.

From November 10 to 13, the “Non-traditional Security Cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong Region” workshop of the 2023 Training Program for Future LMC Diplomats took place in Kunming, Yunnan province. (Photo credit: website of China Foreign Affairs University)

The 2023 Training Program for Future LMC Diplomats placed a strong emphasis on cultivating young talents in various areas. These included building a community of health for all in the Lancang-Mekong region and enhancing non-traditional security cooperation among the nations involved. Additionally, the first Lao railway teachers trained in China returned to Laos, starting their own training of local talents in railway. With a commitment to achieving common development and shared growth through joint consultation, the Lancang-Mekong youths are actively participating in the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and they are working together to shape a promising future.