Laos, China ink deal on Mekong-Lancang cooperation fund
Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Khamphau Onthavan and Chinese Ambassador to Laos Wang Wentian on January 2 signed an agreement on Mekong-Lancang cooperation funding for Lao projects, according to the Lao News Agency (KPL).
The 1st Mekong-Lancang cooperation meeting in China in 2016. (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) – Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Khamphau Onthavan andChinese Ambassador to Laos Wang Wentian on January 2 signed an agreement on Lancang-Mekongcooperation funding for Lao projects, according to the Lao News Agency (KPL).
The deal worth more than 3.49 million USD is a basis for the implementation of 13projects in Laos, involving various issues like oil leak at port area,competitiveness building for the industrial processing sector and examinationof water quality.
The signing was made on the threshold of the 2nd Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Summitheld in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from January 10-11.
The Lancang-Mekong cooperation is a sub-regional cooperation mechanism jointlyestablished in 2016 by six countries along the Mekong River including Cambodia,China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Since then various exchangeactivities among political parties, officials, youth and religious groups havebeen organised.-VNA
The first Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) leaders’ meeting is a significant landmark in the cooperation among countries in the sub-Mekong region in general and MLC in particular.
Cooperation among countries that share the Mekong – Lancang River should focus on water management for mutual benefit and sustainable growth in the region, said Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh.
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The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
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The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
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The 1st Mekong-Lancang cooperation meeting in China in 2016. (Photo: VNA) 
