Chongqing - On November 23, the Sichuan-Chongqing Region of China and Mekong Countries Sub-National Cooperation Forum 2023, themed "Together on A Path to Happiness, Nourished by The Shared River", was convened in Chongqing.

Celebrating the seventh anniversary of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism, the forum highlighted seven years of amicable collaboration and significant strides among the six countries of the Lancang-Mekong region.

On November 23, the Sichuan-Chongqing Region of China and Mekong Countries Sub-National Cooperation Forum 2023 was held in Chongqing. (Photo/Visual Chongqing)

The forum focused on intensifying exchanges and collaborations between the Chongqing-Sichuan region and Mekong countries across various sectors, including trade, connectivity, cultural tourism, agriculture, education, and healthcare, with the goal of strengthening bilateral ties and fostering regional development.

Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China's Central Committee, highlighted the collaborative spirit among the six Lancang-Mekong countries, envisioning a collective effort to build a better future. These countries, all developing nations, face similar developmental issues and challenges. They consistently align with their unique developmental contexts and public welfare needs, adhering to principles of openness and inclusiveness, advancing diverse cooperative efforts, and fostering mutual development.

Yao Shaojun, Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Management Department at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, endorsed the reciprocal learning and rejuvenation of rural areas between the Chongqing-Chengdu region and Mekong countries. He noted that friendly exchanges in areas like cross-border economic and trade cooperation, infrastructure development, cultural exchanges, environmental protection, and water resources management have grown closer between the Sichuan-Chongqing regions and the Mekong countries. This practical cooperation has produced significant outcomes, infusing fresh vitality into local collaborations among the Lancang-Mekong countries.

Pich Rithi, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, recommended expanding the trade scale and integrating value chains. He stressed the importance of surmounting regional challenges and fortifying robust cooperation.

Manothong Vongsay, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce of Laos, expressed a keen interest in enhancing cooperation with Chongqing and Sichuan, aiming to boost trade and foster people-to-people exchanges.

U Min Min, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Commerce of Myanmar, highlighted the critical role of digital transformation in achieving sustainable development.

Napintorn Srisunpang, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, explored strategies to enhance connections between Thai entrepreneurs and their counterparts in the Sichuan-Chongqing region.

Hoàng Xuân Ánh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Cao Bang and Deputy Secretary-General of the Cao Bang Provincial Party Committee, proposed initiatives to improve connectivity between China, Vietnam’s Cao Bang, and other ASEAN countries.

The forum featured an exhibition showcasing the local cooperation achievements between China's Sichuan and Chongqing regions and Mekong countries, along with a display of Mekong country specialties in Jiangbei District's Guanyinqiao Business District. It also included an exhibition of top entries from the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Design Competition and hosted economic and trade exchange dialogues in the Bishan District. Additionally, the event saw the inauguration of the "Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Legal Research Center" at the Southwest University of Political Science and Law and the signing of various economic and trade cooperation projects.

Throughout the event, guests will tour key locations such as the International Logistics Hub in Inland China Exhibition Center in Chongqing, Seres Automobile, and the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery. These site visits are designed to provide a thorough and detailed insight into the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, thereby fostering local exchanges and enhancing economic and trade cooperation.