The Greater Mekong Subregion at 25
Over the past quarter century, the Greater Mekong Subregion has enjoyed a period of unparalleled peace and prosperity. Photos: ADB; statue of Buddha from iStock.com.
The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is a development success story.
Over the past quarter century, the subregion has enjoyed a period of unparalleled peace and prosperity. Impressive economic growth has helped raise millions of people out of poverty. Today, a person born in the subregion can expect to enjoy a more secure livelihood and to live longer and more healthily than any previous generation.
#GMS25 Milestones
2018
5th GMS Environment Ministers’ Meeting (Chiang Mai) [9]
2017
First GMS Working Group on Urban Development meeting [11] held in Ha Noi.
The 22nd GMS Ministerial Conference (Ha Noi) [12] endorses the framework for the Ha Noi Action Plan (2018–2022); the Regional Investment Framework (RIF) 2022 [13]; and Tourism Sector Strategy 2016–2025 [14].
22nd GMS Ministerial Conference (Ha Noi) endorses the creation of a Working Group on Health Cooperation [15].
2nd GMS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting (Siem Reap) [16] endorses the Strategy for Promoting Safe and Environment-Friendly Agro-based Value Chains, and the Siem Reap Action Plan 2018–2022 [17].
GMS Transport Sector Strategy 2018–2030 endorsed.
2016
21st GMS Ministerial Conference (Chiang Rai) [18] endorses the upgrading of the Urban Task Force to a Working Group, and the RIF Implementation Plan 2020 [19].
2015
20th GMS Ministerial Conference (Nay Pyi Taw) [20] endorses the Urban Development Strategic Framework (2015–2022) [21].
GMS Tourism Marketing Strategy and Action Plan 2015–2020 initiated.
4th GMS Environment Ministers’ Meeting (Nay Pyi Taw) [22]
Central route links of the Southern Economic Corridor completed.
2014
5th GMS Summit of Leaders (Bangkok) [23] commits to inclusive and sustainable development in the GMS; supports the Regional Investment Framework Implementation Plan 2014–2018 [24].
2013
Three-Year Blueprint for GMS Transport and Trade Facilitation 2013–2016 initiated.
19th GMS Ministerial Conference (Vientiane) [25] endorses the Regional Investment Framework 2013–2022 [26].
4th GMS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting (Vientiane). [27]
Final links of the GMS North South Economic Corridor completed.
2012
Second phase of the GMS Core Environment Program [28] initiated 2012–2017.
The 18th GMS Ministerial Conference (Nanning) [29] endorses the Human Resource Development Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2013–2017 [30]; the establishment of the Regional Power Coordination Center, and also the Greater Mekong Railway Association [31].
2011
The 17th GMS Ministerial Conference (Phnom Penh) [32] reviews proposed new GMS Strategic Framework comprising second-generation initiatives.
The 3rd GMS Tourism Minister’s Meeting [33] endorses Refocused Tourism Sector Strategy 2011–2015.
The 4th GMS Summit of Leaders (Nay Pyi Taw) [34] endorses new GMS Strategic Framework 2012–2022 [35] and new sector programs (tourism, environment, agriculture).
2010
The 16th GMS Ministerial Conference (Ha Noi) [36] identies elements for new GMS Strategic Framework; endorses sector road maps (transport and trade facilitation, railways, agriculture).
2009
The 15th GMS Ministerial Conference (Petchburi) [37] initiates preparation of a new 10-year GMS Strategic Framework; endorses new Human Resource Development Framework [38] and energy road map [39].
2008
Economic Corridors Forum (ECF) is established.
The 3rd GMS Summit of Leaders (Vientiane) [40] endorses Vientiane Plan of Action 2008–2012.
2007
The 14th GMS Ministerial Conference (Manila) [41] celebrates 15 years of the GMS Program; discusses midterm review of the GMS Strategic Framework.
The 1st GMS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting is held in Beijing and endorses the Core Agriculture Support Program 2006–2010 [42].
2006
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office [43] is established in Bangkok.
The Environment Operations Center [44] to implement the Core Environment Program is inaugurated in Bangkok.
2005
First GMS Environment Ministers’ Meeting (Shanghai) [45] endorses the Core Environment Program [46].
The 2nd GMS Summit of Leaders (Kunming) [47] launches the Biodiversity Conservation Corridor Initiative [46] under the Core Environment Program.
2004
The 13th GMS Ministerial Conference (Vientiane) [48] accepts Guangxi Zuang Autonomous Region [49] into the GMS.
2003
The 12th GMS Ministerial Conference (Dali) [50] translates GMS Strategy into the 3 Cs: Enhancing Connectivity, Improving Competitiveness, and Building a Community [51].
Entry into force of the GMS Cross-Border Transport Agreement [52] in all six GMS countries.
First GMS Working Group on Agriculture meeting [53] held (Manila).
2002
First GMS Summit of Leaders (Phnom Penh) [54] endorses first GMS Strategic Framework (2002–2012) [55] and launches Phnom Penh Plan for Development Management [56].
2001
The 10th GMS Ministerial Conference (Yangon) [57] includes agriculture [58]as another sector of GMS cooperation.
2000
GMS Business Forum is established.
1999
Cross-Border Transport Agreement [52] is signed by three countries—the Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
1998
Eighth GMS Ministerial Conference endorses concept of economic corridors [59] to stimulate growth.
1997
Asian Financial Crisis
1996
Telecommunications [60] becomes another sector of GMS cooperation.
1995
GMS ministers agree on institutional arrangements in Yangon meeting.
1994
ADB approves first GMS projects: Yunnan Expressway (PRC) [61] and Theun Hinboun Hydropower Project (Lao PDR [62]).
Third GMS Ministerial Conference is held in Ha Noi, the first in a GMS country.
1993
Second GMS Ministerial Conference (Manila) endorses the terms of reference of various sector studies.
1992
First GMS Ministerial Conference convenes in Manila; endorses the Framework for GMS Cooperation.
Last Updated: 15 March 2018