Consisting of four member countries, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, the MRC is the oldest Mekong cooperation mechanism and the only one operated based on an international agreement (the 1995 Mekong Agreement), creating a cooperative framework for sustainable development, use, protection and management of water and related resources in the region.
Although the commission has gained many achievements and has opened up important cooperation opportunities in the region, in recent years it has faced many challenges due to the negative impacts of climate change, environmental pollution, population growth, unsustainable exploitation and use of water and related resources in the basin.
The MRC Summit has been convened by its member countries every four years since 2010. The event brings together high-ranking leaders from the four countries to discuss, form policies and address challenges facing the countries of the Mekong River Basin.
Three MRC summits have been held to date: in Thailand in 2010, Vietnam in 2014, and Cambodia in 2018.
As a lower Mekong country which has been increasingly impacted by activities upstream on the river and climate change, Vietnam has always attached great importance to cooperation in the MRC.
It has been an active and responsible member in promoting cooperation with MRC member countries as well as with international partners in implementing the 1995 Mekong Agreement, which aims to enhance efficiency in the use of water and related resources along the Mekong River, thereby contributing to the national socio-economic development, especially in the Mekong Delta.
With a high political commitment, Vietnam has played an active and constructive role in participating in MRC activities at all levels as well as at forums and all areas of cooperation, by putting forward initiatives, making contributions in of finance, information, data, and experts.
Vietnam is also a member country that takes the lead in promoting the image, position and importance of cooperation in the MRC while upholding solidarity and cooperation among Mekong countries, contributing to regional stability and cooperation.
The 4th MRC Summit will be held in Laos on April 5, with the theme ‘Innovation and Cooperation for a Water Secure and Sustainable Mekong'.
Vietnam will attend this summit in the context that the country has accelerated international integration; consolidated politics, security and defence; and ensured stable economic growth of 8.02% in 2022, marking the highest rate in the past 11 years and ranking first in the region.
In March 2022, the Prime Minister approved the Master Plan for the Mekong Delta region for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050.
Attending the conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will join other countries' leaders to discuss and review MRC operation and identified priority areas for the MRC's cooperation in the next period, especially in ensuring water, energy and food security.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s attendance at the 4th MRC Summit affirms Vietnam's high sense of responsibility, interest and commitment to cooperation within the MRC framework, contributing to strengthening the role of the MRC, as well as consolidating solidarity and cooperation among MRC member countries for common interests.
The Prime Minister's attendance at the summit also highlights Vietnam's special concern for the stability and sustainable development of the Mekong River Basin, as well as the protection of water security and people's lives in the Mekong Delta basin.
In addition, it sends a message affirming Vietnam's efforts to participate in and contribute to the MRC, as well as in the effective use and sustainable management of Mekong water resources for the benefit of people living in the Mekong River Basin, including the Mekong Delta.
May Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's working trip to attend the 4th MRC Summit be a great success, further affirming Vietnam's commitment and contribution to enhancing cooperation among MRC members as well as with its partners for the sustainable development of the Mekong River Basin, and contributing to stability and cooperation in the region and the world at large.
