CAREC and Mekong Institutes Strengthen Collaborative Ties

During the 8th CAREC Think Tank Development Forum, a pivotal meeting was held between Mr. Kabir Jurazoda, Director of the CAREC Institute, and Dr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of the Mekong Institute. The discussions centered on deepening cooperation between the two organizations, highlighting shared goals in promoting sub-regional development, cooperation, and integration.

 Mr. Jurazoda expressed his enthusiasm about the potential synergies, particularly in areas such as climate resilience, energy transition, trade, and investment. He emphasized the importance of joint initiatives, including exchange programs, collaborative project proposals, and the sharing of best practices, which align perfectly with both institutes’ goals.

Dr. Vichitlekarn shared these views, expressing gratitude for the chance to engage at the forum and emphasizing the opportunities for mutual learning and partnership. He noted that despite different regional contexts, there are numerous common priority areas where both institutes can collaborate, especially in supporting their member countries’ long-term strategic goals and advocating for them in global forums.

Conclusively, both leaders agreed on the next steps to formalize their collaboration, including drafting a Memorandum of Understanding and formulating a cooperation plan. This agreement marks a significant milestone in the relationship between CAREC and the Mekong Institute, with both sides committed to leveraging their combined expertise to address common challenges and achieve impactful results.

The CAREC and Mekong Institutes look forward to continued discussions and joint efforts that will contribute to the sustainable development and integration of their respective regions.

About Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute (MI) is a pivotal intergovernmental organization promoting economic development and cooperation across the Greater Mekong Subregion, which includes Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Since its inception in 1996, MI has been instrumental in driving regional integration and sustainable socioeconomic development through a wide range of activities including training, research, policy dialogue, and advocacy. It focuses on key thematic areas such as agricultural development, trade and investment facilitation, sustainable energy, and environmental management, alongside addressing social inclusion, digital economy, and labor mobility.