GMS in the News


The opening of the Houayxay-Chiang Khong bridge completes the North-South Economic Corridor. Photo: ADB.

New Thai, Lao PDR Bridge Completes 'Missing Link' in Key Regional Corridor

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (11 December 2013) – A new bridge straddling the Mekong River between Thailand and Lao People’s Democratic Republic is open for business, signaling completion of physical works along one of the Greater Mekong Subregion’s most critical economic corridors.


The Greater Mekong Subregion has an opportunity to build on its success in promoting connectivity, economic competitiveness, and community through a new investment plan presented at the 5th GMS Leaders' Summit, says ADB President Takehiko Nakao. Photo: ADB.

ADB President Calls on Greater Mekong Subregion to Build on Achievements

BANGKOK, THAILAND (20 December 2014) — The President of the Asian Development Bank, Takehiko Nakao, completed a 2-day visit to Bangkok today, where he participated in the 5th Leaders’ Summit of the Greater Mekong Subregion and met top officials of the host country to discuss ADB’s deepening partnership with Thailand.


ADB President Takehiko Nakao meets Prime Minister of Thailand Prayuth Chan-ocha during a visit to Bangkok for the 5th Summit of the Greater Mekong Subregion. Photo: ADB.

ADB President Nakao Commends Thailand’s Economic Progress, Notes Potential for Future Growth

BANGKOK, THAILAND (19 December 2014) — The President of the Asian Development Bank, Takehiko Nakao, today met with Prayuth Chan-ocha, Prime Minister of Thailand, Finance Minister Sommai Phasee, and Bank of Thailand Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul to discuss Thailand’s recent economic performance and examine possible areas of further cooperation with ADB. He will also participate in the 5th Leaders Summit of the Greater Mekong Subregion.


ADB Supports Greater Mekong Subregion Initiatives to Promote Role Of Youth

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (10 December 2014)– In an effort to highlight the contribution of youth to the Greater Mekong Subregion, the Asian Development Bank is assisting 36 national youth representatives from Mekong countries on a journey of learning, to culminate in a youth message to the 5th GMS Summit to be held in Bangkok, Thailand next week.


Delegates at the Green Freight and Logistics in Southeast Asia regional workshop held in Bangkok. Photo: ADB.

Green Freight Approach Needed For Greater Mekong Subregion - Workshop

BANGKOK, THAILAND (2 June 2016) – “Greening” road freight in the Greater Mekong Subregion will help participating countries achieve their Sustainable Development Goals, as well as providing economic benefits, delegates at a workshop in Bangkok heard today.


Thailand's highway network spans over 70,000 kilometers across all regions. Photo: ADB.

Highway 12 Upgrades to Support Cross-Border Trade and Tourism

BANGKOK, THAILAND (12 March 2016) – The completion of work on a 105-km section of highway from Phisanulok to Lomsak to expand it from two lanes to four, supported by the Asian Development Bank, is expected to generate greater economic activity and increase local competitiveness


Town market, Myanmar. Photo: ADB.

ADB and NEDA are exploring joint development of corridor towns in Myanmar. Photo: ADB.

ADB, NEDA Sign Partnership For Joint Cooperation Programs

BANGKOK, THAILAND (15 October 2017)  – The Asian Development Bank and the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency, a Thai development agency, have signed a partnership arrangement to carry out joint cooperation programs at national and regional levels.


ADB Approves Additional $2 Million Funding to Support Green and Resilient Post-COVID-19 Recovery in the GMS

An additional $2 million grant funding from the Climate Investment Fund–Technical Assistance Facility (CIF–TAF) was approved on 17 October 2021 by ADB. This grant will support green and resilient COVID-19 recovery in the GMS, covering Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam, through the CCESP TA. With this funding, the Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Program (CCESP) will provide policy support, build institutional and technical capacities, and demonstrate innovative options to build back cleaner, greener, and more climate-resilient economies.


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