Promoting Regional Cooperation in the Mekong River Basin

AECOM International Development, through our ECO-Asia program, is working with the Mekong River Commission (MRC) member countries and the MRC Secretariat to increase regional cooperation throughout the Mekong River Basin by promoting the adoption of improved conflict prevention and management policies, plans, and mechanisms. We are providing the MRC with targeted technical assistance, conflict prevention and management training,a nd counterpart exchanges to share regional best practices. As a result, AECOM International Development will contribute to the MRC's mission of preserving natural resources and environmental quality of the river basin as well as of promoting interdependent economic growth of the member countries.

Major Results

• The second regional workshop to strengthen the capacity and capabilities of the MRC Secretariat, National Mekong Committees, and riparian country agencies in conflict prevention and regional cooperation was held in Laos, PDR, in August 2007.
• In February 2007, 42 members of the MRC Secretariat attended an AECOM International Development-facilitated brainstorming meeting that was focused on addressing transboundary differences and disputes. Participants were tasked with identifying future needs related to conflict management, defining the role of the Secretariat in addressing differences and disputes, and brainstorming potential implementation strategies for addressing differences and disputes.