ACMECS meeting, initiated by Thailand in 2003, is a discussion framework among ASEAN member countries along the Mekong river basin which comprises Thailand, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The meeting aims to follow up and review past ACMECS cooperation and plan for future cooperation strategy in attempt to make use of diversified strengths of member countries to promote balanced development. ACMECS’ first leader summit was held on November 12, 2003 in Pukam, the 2nd in 2005 in Bangkok, the 3rd in 2008 in Hanoi, and the 4th in 2010 in Phnom Penh. There are 8 fields of cooperation under ACMECS: trade and investment facilitation (Lead Country: Thailand), agriculture, industry and energy, transportation and connectivity, tourism, human resources development, public health (Lead Country: Thailand), and environment.
The significance of the 5th meeting is to approve the Vientiane Declaration and ACMECS’ Action Plan for 2013-2015, drafted by Thailand, with an aim to promote sustainable economic growth and a single production base among the member countries, which is in line with the concept of ASEAN Community, and to stabilize the region as one of the world’s agricultural and industrial production chains. In order to mobilize and reduce development gap among the member countries, Thailand plans to take a leading role in providing assistance in infrastructure projects particularly the connectivity of key cities to promote trade and tourism, as well as providing academic assistance in public health. In additions, trade and investment facilitation, cross-border, establishment of Sister Cities, capacity building for labors, R&D, and ACMECS single visa scheme must also be promoted.
PM Yingluck’s schedule for the visit is as follows:
March 12, 2013 (Tue)
16:30 PM and the delegation leave Royal Thai Armed Forced Airport, Wing 6, Don Muang, Bangkok by a special flight RTAF 228 for Wattay Airport, Vientiane
17:45 Arrive at Wattay Airport, Vientiane
18:20 PM witnesses signing ceremony of MOU on the Establishment of Thailand-Cambodia Business Council (to be confirmed)
19:00 PM attends gala dinner at the Grand Ballroom, Don Chan Palace Hotel
March 13, 2013 (Wed)
08:00 PM attends the opening ceremony of ACMECS Summit at Don Chan Palace Hotel
09:00 PM attends ACMECS Summit meeting (closed session) at Don Chan Palace Hotel
10:30 Bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Lao PDR (to be confirmed)
11:00 Meeting between country leaders and the private sectors at Don Chan Palace Hotel
15:00PM and the delegation leave Vientiane
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