GMS Timeline
1992
First GMS Ministerial Meeting convenes in Manila and endorses the framework for GMS cooperation
1993
Terms of reference of various sector studies are endorsed at the Second GMS Ministerial Meeting
1993
1994
ADB approves first GMS projects – Yunnan Expressway in the PRC and the Theun Hinboun Hydropower Project in Lao PDR
1994
1995
GMS Program adopts a Transport Master Plan
1995
1996
Telecommunications becomes a GMS Program sector of cooperation
1996
1998
Eighth GMS Ministerial Meeting endorses concept of economic corridors to stimulate growth
1998
1999
GMS Cross Border Transport Agreement (CBTA) is signed by three countries – Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam
1999
2000
GMS Business Forum is established
2000
2001
Agriculture becomes a GMS cooperation sector
2001
2002
First GMS Summit of Leaders is held, endorsing the First GMS Strategic Framework (2002-2012)
2002
2003
GMS Cross-Border Trade Agreement enters into force among the 6 countries
2003
2004
The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is included in the GMS geography
2004
2005
First GMS Environment Ministers’ Meeting endorses the Core Environment Program
2005
2006
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office is established in Bangkok
2006
2007
GMS Agriculture Ministers endorse the Core Agriculture Support Program Phase 1 (2006–2010)
2007
2008
GMS Economic Corridors Forum is established. The first forum is held in Kunming, PRC
2008
2009
GMS Ministerial Meeting endorses the Strategic Framework and Action Plan for Human Resource Development in the GMS Phase I (2009–2012) and the new energy road map
2009
2010
Nam Theun 2, a 1070 MW hydropower plant in Lao PDR approved by ADB in 2005, begins its commercial operations in 2010
2010
2011
The 4th GMS Summit of Leaders (Nay Pyi Taw) endorses the new GMS Strategic Framework 2012–2022
2011
2012
Memorandum of Understanding for the Establishment of the Greater Mekong Railway Association is signed by all GMS countries
2012
2013
First Regional Investment Framework (RIF) is endorsed by GMS Ministers at the 19th Ministerial Conference
2013
2014
The Mekong Business Initiative, a policy advisory and advocacy facility, is established
2014
2015
The GMS Urban Development Strategic Framework (2015–2022) and the GMS Tourism Marketing Strategy and the Action Plan (2015–2020) are presented at the 20th GMS Ministerial Conference
2015
2016
GMS E-Commerce Business Alliance is established
2016
2017
The GMS Working Group on Human Resource Development is restructured to focus on Health. First Meeting of the GMS Working Group on Health Cooperation is held
2017
2018
The GMS Transport Sector Strategy 2030 is endorsed and the Early Harvest implementation of the CBTA is launched
2018
2019
The first GMS Health Cooperation Strategy (2019–2023) is launched
2019
2020
GMS countries reallocate existing funds under the GMS Health Security Project to provide swift financing support for COVID-19 emergency response measures
2020
2021
The GMS Strategic Framework 2030 and the GMS COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan 2021-2023 are endorsed and adopted at the 7th GMS Summit of Leaders
2021
2022
GMS celebrates its 30th Anniversary
2022