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Urban Development

The Greater Mekong Subregion is working to improve the quality of life and economic vibrancy of its cities and towns by using global best practices in urban development.

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By 2050, the Greater Mekong Subregion is expected to be at least 50% urbanized. This will bring vast changes to the economies of the subregion. What was once a primarily agricultural area is transforming into a place where cities and towns are the main drivers of economic growth. Careful planning is needed to balance urban growth with environmental protection and economic equity so that healthy cities can be enjoyed by all residents.

The Greater Mekong Subregion is working to improve the quality of life and economic vibrancy of its cities through the development of national strategies and projects that incorporate global best practices into the subregion’s urban development. This work has included the first and second Corridor Towns Development Project, which is developing competitive and environmentally friendly cities along vital economic arteries in the subregion. Cross-border economic zones are also being developed.

Related

• Urban Development in the Greater Mekong Subregion

• Greater Mekong Subregion Urban Development Strategic Framework

• Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project

• Summary of Proceedings

Contact Persons

Focal Persons at the Asian Development Bank

  • Eri Honda
    Urban Development and Water Division,
    Southeast Asia Department
  • Stephani Kamal
    Public Management, Financial Sector, & Regional Coop Division,
    East Asia Department

Other Concerned Staff & Consultants

  • Pinsuda Alexander
    Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division,
    Southeast Asia Department
  • Alma Canarejo
    Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division,
    Southeast Asia Department/GMS Secretariat

Send inquiries to GMS Secretariat.

10th GMS Economic Corridors Forum (ECF-10)

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Corridors Forum (ECF) in 2018 marks the 20th year of the GMS economic corridor development approach since its formal adoption at the 6th GMS Ministerial Conference in 1998 to accelerate subregional development. It is the 10th year of the forum since its inaugural meeting in Kunming, People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 2008. This is also the first ECF following the 6th GMS Summit in March 2018, which adopted the Hanoi Action Plan 2018–2022 that has among its key elements a spatial strategy focused on the economic corridors.

Events

ADB to Improve Environmental Services in Two GMS Corridor Towns in Lao PDR

VIENTIANE, LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRACTIC REPUBLIC (17 September 2018) — The Asian Development Bank’s Board of Directors has approved a $48 million grant to help improve urban environmental services and enhance economic connectivity in Paksan and Thakhek, two of the least developed towns along the Greater Mekong Subregion Central Corridor in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

News Releases

Mekong Forum Looks at Ways to Promote Healthy Economic Zones

Economic zones hold unique health risks for both workers and communities, but they also offer opportunities to protect workers’ productivity and improve community health. Photo: ADB.
Mekong Forum Looks at Ways to Promote Healthy Economic Zones

Economic zones are growth engines of the Greater Mekong Subregion, stimulating economic activity and creating jobs. Yet, not much attention has been given to the social and health aspects of economic zone development until recently.

Articles

Factory workers assemble electronic products at Savan Park Special Economic Zone in Savannakhet, Lao People's Democratic Republic. Photo: ADB. 
Health Impact Assessment Framework for Special Economic Zones, Explained

Countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion recognize how a health impact assessment framework can help ensure that both businesses and communities benefit from economic zone development.

Articles