GMS Timeline

30th GMS Program

Revisit highlights of GMS cooperation across 30 years

 

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
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

1994
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)

1994
2002
 

2003

GMS Cross-Border Trade Agreement enters into force among the 6 countries

1994
2003
 

2004

The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is included in the GMS geography

1994
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

1994
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

1994
2009
 

2010

Nam Theun 2, a 1070 MW hydropower plant in Lao PDR approved by ADB in 2005, begins its commercial operations in 2010

1994
2010
 

2011

The 4th GMS Summit of Leaders (Nay Pyi Taw) endorses the new GMS Strategic Framework 2012–2022

1994
2011
 

2012

Memorandum of Understanding for the Establishment of the Greater Mekong Railway Association is signed by all GMS countries

1994
2012
 

2013

First Regional Investment Framework (RIF) is endorsed by GMS Ministers at the 19th Ministerial Conference

1994
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

1994
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

1994
2017
 

2018

The GMS Transport Sector Strategy 2030 is endorsed and the Early Harvest implementation of the CBTA is launched

1994
2018
 

2019

The first GMS Health Cooperation Strategy (2019–2023) is launched

1994
2019
 

2020

GMS countries reallocate existing funds under the GMS Health Security Project to provide swift financing support for COVID-19 emergency response measures

1994
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

1994
2021
 

2022

GMS celebrates its 30th Anniversary

1994
2022