The summit is the highest forum in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Cooperation Program where the leaders from the six GMS countries can (i) review and assess the progress made under the program; (ii) renew their commitment to subregional cooperation and its goals; (iii) provide support at the highest political level to the program, its projects, and activities; and (iv) provide broad directions for landmark or key initiatives under the GMS Program. GMS summits are normally held every 3 years.

The Sixth GMS Summit of Leaders, hosted by the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, carries the theme “Leveraging on 25 Years of Cooperation, and Building a Sustainable, Integrated, and Prosperous GMS.”

The summit highlights the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Program, capitalizing on the strong support of member countries to showcase project results, strong partnerships among countries, the Asian Development Bank and other development partners, and the program’s pioneering role in regional cooperation.

To be held at the National Convention Center, Ha Noi, Viet Nam, the summit will begin with a closed-door Leaders’ Retreat on 31 March 2018, followed by a formal Summit Plenary Session. On 30 March, a GMS Business Summit will be organized by the host government. Preceding these summits will be a GMS Senior Officials’ Meeting and 6th Summit Task Force Meeting on 29 March 2018.