Chinese Premier Li Spearheads Intelligent Technological Advancements for Sustainable Development in Lancang-Mekong Region

• 28 December 2023
• Local News
• 1449 Views

In a visionary move to fortify regional cooperation and technological progress, Chinese Premier Li Qiang took the lead in proposing cutting-edge solutions and sustainable initiatives during the fourth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Leaders’ Meeting. The virtual summit, attended by leaders from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam—the five ASEAN member states traversed by the Mekong River—marked a strategic review of the previous five years’ progress and outlined the forthcoming Five-Year Action Plan on Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation (2023-2027).

Following the successful fourth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Leaders’ Meeting, an ambitious vision for the region’s development over the next five years was unveiled. The comprehensive plan places a strong emphasis on practical cooperation and collaborative efforts to tackle pressing water and climate change challenges. Central to this endeavor are strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainability of power generation projects, efficient flood management, and robust water resources management and ecosystem protection along the Lancang Mekong River.

The Premier urged the six countries involved to collaborate closely, contributing to the establishment of a community with a shared future of peace and prosperity among Lancang-Mekong nations.

Zhou Zhiwei, Secretary-General of the Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Center, highlighted the achievements of the previous Five-year Action Plan (2018-2022). Over 50 water-related livelihood projects were actively implemented, including the successful installation of automatic water level and rainfall monitoring systems in Myanmar for flood early warning. Notable projects like the Lancang-Mekong Sweet Spring Project provided rural water supply technology demonstrations, ensuring safer drinking water and technical insights for member countries.

China’s support extended to dam safety evaluations in Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, where safety inspections and demonstrations were conducted, enhancing the functionality of dams for the benefit of local communities. Hydrological monitoring projects, featuring a central station and 25 automatic monitoring stations in Laos, were implemented to better understand rivers and lakes, aiding in responding to flood and drought disasters.

Originating from China’s Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, the Mekong River spans six countries, covering a length of 4,880 kilometers and sustaining 326 million people. Premier Li’s advocacy for technological innovation and sustainable projects in the Lancang-Mekong region marks a significant stride towards fostering regional harmony and prosperity in the years to come.

• Analysis
• Energy and Environment
• Cooperation and networking