The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan 2021–2023 aims to coordinate the efforts of GMS countries on issues that require greater regional cooperation and integration (RCI) to respond to  COVID-19 pandemic more effectively. This Plan complements and supports implementation of the GMS Economic Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2030 (GMS-2030).

The plan supplements national Covid-19 responses, focusing on regional cooperation and integration priorities, and will (i) balance health, economic, environmental, and social priorities; (ii) ensure private sector involvement; (iii) engage local governments and communities; and (iv) be widely and effectively communicated.

The Plan identifies a limited number of achievable initiatives across the subregion within the medium term to rebuild economies and people’s livelihoods. It supports the subregion’s economy during the COVID-19 pandemic by facilitating economic recovery and helping prepare the GMS for any further crises.

The Plan has three pillars: 

• Pillar 1: Protect lives with a One Health approach to ensure the health not only of people but also of animals, crops and food products, and urban environments.
• Pillar 2: Protecting the vulnerable and poor by offering them opportunities in border areas and along GMS economic corridors, as well as supporting the safe and orderly movement of labor.
• Pillar 3: Ensure that borders remain open to (i) accelerate inclusive, green, and resilient economic activity; (ii) facilitate transport and trade; (iii) rebuild agriculture; and (iv) generate safe and seamless tourism opportunities.

The Seventh GMS Summit of Leaders, hosted by the Government of Cambodia on 9 September 2021, endorsed GMS-2030, and its supplement, the GMS COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan 2021–2023. The Summit’s theme was “GMS: Renewed Strength to Face the Challenges of the New Decade.” Read GMS-2030.