GMS in the News

On 9 January, Laos and Viet Nam officially launched a cross-currency transaction service, connecting their cross-border retail payment systems via QR codes.

The study tour and masterclass provided participants with in-depth understanding and practical knowledge of (i) key energy transition tasks and tools, (ii) technologies and applications to be utilized for renewable energy integration and expansion, (iii) policy frameworks to support energy transition, and (iv) power market development to support energy transition including interstate trades.

The 3rd workshop and 6th meeting of the Greater Mekong Subregion Task Force on Trade and Investment (GMS TFTI) was held on 9-11 October 2024 in Hanoi, Viet Nam.

The Fifth Meeting of the GMS Task Force on Trade and Investment (TFTI) was held on 10–11 July 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, attended by more than 40 GMS governmental officials in-person or virtually.

The GMS Task Force on Trade and Investment held the 2nd training and the 3rd meeting on January 23-25 in Vientiane. 30 government officials joined the training and studied SME financing schemes and communication strategies. The task force meeting agreed on the work plan for 2024 to promote digitalization and better engage with the private sector. On January 25, delegates visited Vientiane Logistics Park and Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone and exchanged views with the private sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Viet Nam has initiated a Digital Transformation Project for the Agriculture sector for 2021–2025, with a view to 2030. This project is built on three foundational pillars: digital government, digital agricultural economy, and digital countryside, all aimed at fostering the emergence of "digital farmers."

The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) in Cambodia marked a significant upsurge in trade activities in January and February 2024. The trade volume through this economic corridor reached $628 million, reflecting a robust growth of 38.3% compared to the same period in 2023.

The Government of Thailand eyes an investment target of THB 500 billion (around $13.7 billion) for its Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) over the next five years, focusing on industries such as electric vehicle development, medical services, biotechnology infrastructure, and digital industries.