Lao FM calls for closer Lancang-Mekong cooperation

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On the sidelines of the Third Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting, CGTN sits down with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith on the effectiveness of the LMC mechanism and a shared vision among the six countries.

Explaining the major achievements of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Mechanism, Lao Foreign Minister says a typical example is the establishment of an institutional mechanism. It helps bring countries closer to more tangible cooperation, like Early Harvest Projects.

The Lancang-Mekong area is one of the regions with the greatest development potential in Asia and beyond. The five Mekong River countries are home to 230 million people and boast a combined GDP over 600 billion US dollars, with an average annual growth rate of nearly seven percent.

Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith receives CGTN special interview. / CGTN Photo

During the interview, the minister recalled his personal contribution in implementing the Sanya Declaration of the First Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Leaders' Meeting held in March, 2016. He also expressed that Laos has benefited a lot from the LMC mechanism.

Commenting on the vision of building a community with a shared future, Saleumxay Kommasith expressed that the objective will help countries along the Lancang-Mekong River as well as others to enjoy a mutual growth and prosperity.