GMS in the News

ADB Encourages GMS Countries to Propose Investment Projects to Capitalize on the Implementation of the GMS Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Program

As a technical assistance (TA) program, the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Program (SAFSP) itself will not satisfy the vast needs of some GMS countries for infrastructure and facilities. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) therefore recommends each GMS Agriculture ministry to capitalize on this TA, together with other efforts, to come up with investment projects. Mr.

Photo by ADB

Modern GMS Agri-food Sectors Need Further Works on Traceability and Digital Technology

Keeping accurate and immutable records is the bedrock for creating transparency and trust in food products’ origin, safety and quality. Record keeping in small & medium agribusinesses in the GMS is done mostly on paper, which is difficult to access across the supply chain. Reporting on a study on organic coffee at the 18th WGA Annual meeting, Dr. Suporn from the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) of Thailand, said that digital technology for e-traceability enabled chain actors to share data in a digital and standardized manner for the first time. 

GMS Program Achievements under the Ha Noi Action Plan 2018-2022

The Ha Noi Action Plan 2018–2022 reflected the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Program’s agenda in the last 5 years of the GMS Economic Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2012–2022. It laid down the agenda for the medium term and guided the Regional Investment Framework in the last 5 years. This feature is based on the Report on Recent Outcomes of GMS Cooperation presented at the 7th GMS Summit of Leaders by Mr. Sok Chenda Sophea, Minister in Charge of the GMS Program, Royal Government of Cambodia on 9 September 2021.

7th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit

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 initiatives under the GMS Program. GMS summits are normally held every 3 years.

GMS: Renewed Strength to Face the Challenges of the New Decade (7th GMS Summit video)

Since 1992, the GMS Program has helped connect countries, enhanced nations’ competitiveness, and bring communities closer together. As it moves toward its fourth decade, the GMS Program will continue to advance the subregion’s extraordinary transformation, preparing for the dynamic challenges of tomorrow through GMS-2030, its long term strategic framework.

The 73-megawatt Lopburi Solar Farm is the largest solar photovoltaic project in the world. It is integral to Thailand's efforts to generate energy from renewable sources. Photo by ADB.

ADB Launches Support to Help Countries in Southeast Asia Accelerate Transition to Clean Energy

The Energy Division of the Asian Development Bank’s Southeast Asia Department launched the Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition in Southeast Asia knowledge and support technical assistance to support the countries of Southeast Asia (SEA) accelerate their transition to cleaner forms of energy.  

Aerial photo of the Nanpeng Highway Bonded Logistics Center in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality via Xinhua

Significant Growth for Cross-border Highway Freight Service in Chongqing, PRC

Cross-border highway freight service in Chongqing, People's Republic of China, grew significantly in the first half of 2021. Data from Chongqing Highway Logistics Base showed that 1,666 trucks transported goods worth about 997 million yuan ($154 million), up 70% and 107% year on year, respectively, from January to June. Chongqing launched its cross-border highway freight service in 2016. This year, it started new highway cross-border freight routes linking the inland city with Vientiane, Lao PDR. The service presently operates nine routes linked to ASEAN countries and Central Asia.

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