A workshop on “Promoting the Role and Coordination of Ministries for the Successful Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Chairmanship” took place at the Lawkanat Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
In his opening remarks at the opening session of the workshop, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe highlighted that Myanmar has been actively participating in international and regional cooperation mechanisms. He also recalled that Myanmar hosted the First ACMECS Summit in Bagan in 2003 and the Sixth Summit in Nay Pyi Taw in 2015. He also informed that Myanmar assumed ACMECS Chairmanship from Lao PDR during the 10th ACMECS Summit held in Kunming, China, on 7 November 2024 and is set to convene the upcoming 11th ACMECS Summit as Chair. “Strengthening Socio-Economic Development towards Smart and Sustainable ACMECS” has been selected as the Theme of the 11th ACMECS Summit. The workshop is held to successfully assume Chairmanship during its term. Moreover, the implementation needs to be emphasized with a focus on areas such as agro-based industrial development to support regional socio-economic development, increase production of quality consumer goods from forestry resources and environmental protection. He further emphasized that the workshop will provide a good opportunity for participants to exchange views, share experiences, discuss challenges, and outline plans and activities.
In the Plenary Session, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Lwin Oo gave an overview of planned meetings and activities to be carried out during Myanmar’s ACMECS Chairmanship and the purposes and expected outcomes of the workshop. During the workshop, senior officials and representatives from respective ministries shared their views on matters related to activities and progress under ACMECS cooperation; viable projects and programmes to be implemented during Myanmar’s ACMECS Chairmanship; and effective cooperation and coordination during Myanmar’s Chairmanship; developing action plans to realize the ACMCES projects and programmes; and enhancing the role and coordination of respective ministries for successful Myanmar’s ACMECS Chairmanship.
In the Closing Session, Deputy Minister U Lwin Oo concluded the workshop by encouraging the respective ministries to continue implementing prioritized projects and work plans under the Three Pillars of ACMECS cooperation in alignment with internal processes and to translate the workshop’s outcomes into actionable plans that will deliver long-term benefits for the nation and the region as a whole.
The workshop was attended by approximately 60 senior government officials and representatives from the respective ministries involved in ACMECS cooperation. — MNA
