ACMECS and its latest development
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Key Insights
- Mekong-led Framework: ACMECS is the only subregional cooperation framework led by Mekong countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam).
- Strategic Vision: The current ACMECS Master Plan (2019–2023) focuses on connectivity, economic synchronization, and sustainability.
- Milestone Achievements: Recent key developments include the 10th ACMECS Summit, launch of the Interim Secretariat (AIS), and the upcoming ACMECS Development Fund (ACMDF).
- Strong Partnerships: ACMECS collaborates with 7 Development Partners—most recently welcoming New Zealand in 2024—to implement high-impact regional projects.
- Concrete Impact: Japan and Korea funded ACMECS Branding Projects to support SMEs and cross-border trade, totaling over USD 2.3 million.
- Institutional Growth: With the AIS and ACMDF underway, ACMECS is becoming more structured and capable of delivering long-term benefits to the Mekong region.
Since its establishment in 2003, the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy or ACMECS has served as the only cooperation framework led and driven by theMekong countries themselves—namely Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.Over the decades, ACMECS has played a vital role in fostering regional socio-economic collaboration and promoting sustainable development in the subregion.Recent milestones highlight ACMECS’s growing momentum. These include the 10th ACMECS Summit, the launch of the ACMECS Interim Secretariat (AIS), the expansion of its Development Partners, and progress toward realizing the ACMECS Development Fund(ACMDF).
The ACMECS Vision
Guided by the vision of “Building ACMECS Connect”, the framework is currently operatingunder the ACMECS Master Plan (2019-2023)—which remains in effect until the next plan isadopted. The said strategic plan focuses on three core pillars and goals:
- Seamless Connectivity – Enhancing transport, digital, and energy connectivity.
- Synchronized ACMECS Economies – Promoting financial as well as trade, investment, andindustrial cooperation through policy harmonisation and facilitation.
- Smart and Sustainable ACMECS – Promoting sustainable development and management aswell as digital transformation, and human resource development.
These pillars are designed to lay the groundwork for a more connected, resilient, and competitive Mekong subregion.
Development Partners and Their Contributions
ACMECS currently enjoys strong collaboration with seven Development Partners: Australia,China, India, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and most recently, New Zealand—whichwas formally welcomed during the 10th ACMECS Summit in November 2024. – 2 -Development Partners (DPs) provide meaningful technical and financial support, along with knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives. Their partnerships have proven instrumental in driving key projects under the ACMECS Master Plan. To illustrate, ACMECS Member Countries have cooperated with Development Partners (DPs) in implementing projects under ACMECS Master Plan, for example:
- Japan funded the ACMECS Branding Project to support SMEs in post-COVID-19 recovery, with a total value of USD 1.3 million.
- The Republic of Korea supported another ACMECS Branding Project aimed at facilitating cross-border trade by aligning relevant regulations, contributing USD 1 million.
These collaborative efforts highlight how Development Partners help transform ACMECS goals into concrete outcomes that benefit the region.
ACMECS Institutional Strengthening: Secretariat and Development Fund
To boost coordination, the ACMECS Interim Secretariat (AIS) was officially established in May 2024 at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The AIS is tasked to strengthen communication and collaboration among Member Countries, Development Partners, and external stakeholders. Further enhancing its public profile, ACMECS unveiled its official logo and website, coordinated by the AIS—in July 2024, reinforcing its visibility and outreach in a broader audience. Another major development is the ACMECS Development Fund (ACMDF), a dedicated financing mechanism designed to support high-priority projects aligned with the Master Plan. Member Countries are currently finalising its modalities and working toward the selection of an appropriate fund management agency. Together, the establishment of the AIS and progress on the ACMDF mark important steps toward institutionalising ACMECS and ensuring long-term benefit for countries across the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong rivers.
Looking Ahead
ACMECS is steadily advancing its integration and development agenda. The next phase of cooperation will focus on putting plans into action, reinforcing ACMECS’s role as a strategic engine for socio-economic growth and connectivity in the Mekong subregion. As Member Countries and Development Partners work together, ACMECS is well-positioned to unlock new opportunities, enhance regional competitiveness, and shape a more resilient, sustainable future for the people of the Mekong.
