MI and GMS-BF sign trade program agreement



Mr Oudet (seated left) and Dr Suchat Katima signed the MoU. Among the witnesses were (l-r) Mr. Khamsouk Sundara from Lane Xang Minerals Ltd, Ms. Dounghathai Boonyapraputi from Schenker Ltd, Mr Latsamy Keomany, a member from MI Steering Committee and Mr Somphone Phasavath from Lao Freight Fowarder Co. Ltd.

The Mekong Institute (MI) will work with the Greater Mekong Sub-region Business Forum (GMS-BF) to create a training program for trade and investment facilitation along the GMS Economic Corridors.

The two organizations will design the program to build capacity in regional development, cooperation and integration, using their individual strengths and expertise. It will incorporate policy dialogues, strengthening business relationships, building a GMS-wide network, and research.

Mr. Oudet and Dr Suchat shook hands after signing the MoU.

MI Director, Dr Suchat Katima, said: “This is a very exciting project. The Economic Corridors provide enormous opportunities for communities across the GMS. We are looking forward to working with GMS-BF, and hope this will be the first of many joint programs.”

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on August 8 at the GMS-BF headquarters in Vientiane, Lao PDR, by Dr Suchat and GMS-BF Secretary-General Outdet Souvannavong. Dr Suchat was accompanied by Mr Latsamy Keomany, the Lao PDR representative on MI’s Steering Committee.

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MI congratulates Chairman on Ministerial appointment



The Mekong Institute (MI)has congratulated H.E. Dr. Tej Bunnag on his appointment to the role of Foreign Minister of Thailand.

Dr. Tej was the first Chairman of the MI Council, following the signing of the MI Charter in 2003 by the six governments of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). The role passed to Vietnam in 2007, but Dr. Tej remained a Council Member as the Honorary Advisor. He has also served as the Chairman of the Mekong Institute Foundation, MI's legal body, since 2004.



Dr. Tej resigned from his two MI roles this week, as a result of the Ministerial role.

MI Director, Dr. Suchat Katima, said: "The MI Council and Secretariat extend our sincere thanks and best wishes to Dr Tej. He has been a strong supporter and friend of MI for many years, and we will miss his involvement and advice. While the appointment is a loss to us, it is a great gain to the Thai Government and we will all be watching his career with interest."

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