ACMECS countries reiterate commitment to supporting ASEAN community building

Leaders of Ayeyawaddy-Chao Phraya Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) incorporating Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar,Thailandand Vietnam reiterated their commitment Tuesday to supporting the ASEAN Community building in 2015 and beyond.

In its Nay Pyi Taw Declaration of the 6th ACMECS Summit issued in the Myanmar capital, the subregional leaders reaffirmed their determination to strengthen the traditional relations of friendship, good neighborliness and mutual benefits among the ACMECS countries.

In trade and investment facilitation cooperation, the ACMECS summit agreed to promote foreign direct investment, particularly among ACMECS countries, and from other countries in the region.

In agriculture cooperation, the ACMECS leaders agreed to expedite the implementation of ACMECS rice cooperation mechanism to promote rice sector development among ACMECS countries.

In industrial and energy cooperation, the ACMECS leaders agreed to encourage the establishment of industrial zones, Special and Specific Economic Zones along the ACMECS countries' borders and other potential areas along the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC), North South Economic Corridor (NSEC), the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) and the "inter-corridor linkages" focusing on green growth and sustainable development.

In transport cooperation, the leaders called for development of air linkages among major cities, cultural and natural heritage sites in the ACMECS countries as well as railways and feeder roads to increase trade, investment and tourist flows.

In tourism cooperation, the leaders agreed to promote cross border travel with the ACMECS countries under the concept of" Five Countries, One Destination".

In human resource development, the ACMECS leaders called for providing scholarships and fellowships as well as vocational training and skills development programs.

The ACMECS leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation between ACMECS countries on environmental conservation and sustainable use of natural resources of the Ayeyawaddy, Chao Phraya and Mekong rivers.

Myanmar President U Thein Sein said in his press briefing on the same day that both summits can strengthen the friendly relationships among members and promote the subregional development and narrow the development gap among ASEAN countries.

The summit designated Vietnam to host the next 7th ACMECS Summit.

Prior to the 6th ACMECS summit,the 7th Summit of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) was held on Monday.

The ACMECS summit has combined with CLMV summit since 2008 in Vietnam which are held biannually.