Promoting sustainable development in the Mekong River

4/4/2018 - 2:34:42 PM

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc departed Hanoi for Cambodia on April 4, where he will attend the third Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit in Siem Reap from April 4-5 at the invitation of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) will attend the third Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit in Siem Reap, Cambodia, from April 4-5 at the invitation of Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (R) (Photo: VNA)

In the context Vietnam’s chairing of the MRC Council in 2018, the visit made by PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the high-ranking delegation aims to affirm the interest and commitment of Vietnam for cooperation within the framework of the MRC, contributing to enhancing the MRC's role and the solidarity and cooperation among member countries for common interests.

The MRC Summit has been held every four years since 2010. This year’s conference is hosted by Cambodia. Themed "joint Efforts and Partnership towards Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the Mekong”, the conference will create the opportunity for countries to review the operation of the MRC over the past four years and work to realise sustainable development goals.

The MRC is an inter-governmental organisation established on the basis of the 1995 Mekong Agreement, consisting of the four member countries of Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The objective of the MRC is to promote cooperation among member countries in the use, sustainable development and protection of water and related resources in the Mekong River. After more than 20 years, the MRC has achieved many positive results which contribute to regional cooperation, such as the development of water use regulations, environmental management, fisheries, navigation links, and expanding cooperation with partners in and outside the region.

MRC is currently implementing its Strategic Plan and the 5-year planning cycle (2016-2020) with seven major objectives and more than 190 activities with a total estimated cost of US$60 million. The purpose of this plan is to implement the strategic priorities of the Mekong River basin development strategy based on integrated water resources management and continue the transfer of key river basin management functions to the countries and activities of the MRC Secretariat. Since the second MRC Summit in Ho Chi Minh City in April, 2014, the MRC has continued to play a unique role in building the legal framework and specific technical regulations and binding obligations of member countries in the exploitation, protection, and sustainable management of water resources in the Mekong River.

Vietnam has actively participated in the MRC since its establishment and has significantly contributed to developing its contents and cooperation fields. Within the framework of the MRC, Vietnam coordinated with other member countries to issue the first ever MRC joint Committee's Official Prior Consultation for the Pak Beng Hydropower Project. In 2014, Vietnam hosted the second MRC Summit with the theme of "Water, Energy and Food Security in the context of climate change for the Mekong River Basin”. In addition to the MRC, Vietnam is also actively promoting the sustainable development of the Mekong River through participation in water resources cooperation at regional and international organisations such as the World Water Forum (WWF), the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and ASEAN, among others.

In 2015, Vietnam held a discussion on water security in the framework of the 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU – 132) and the sixth ASEM Seminar on Water Resources Management and Sustainable Development, themed "Integrated water resources management for sustainable development”. In addition, the country is also actively participating in and promoting the protection and sustainable use of water resources in such mechanisms as the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI), and the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC).

The attendance at the third MRC Summit of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the high-ranking delegation of Vietnam affirms the interests and commitments of Vietnam to its cooperation within the framework of the MRC, which helps to enhance the MRC's role, and the solidarity and cooperation among member countries, while affirming Vietnam's efforts and contributions to the effective use of and sustainable management and development of the Mekong River for the common interest of people living in the Mekong River in general and in the Mekong Delta in particular.

Source: NDO

Party members take lead in road expansion in Da Bac’s Doan Ket sub-region

In the spirit of "Party members go first, the people follow”, all households of Party members in the Doan Ket sub-region in Da Bac town, Da Bac district, voluntarily removed gates and fences, and donated land when the road expansion project passed through their properties. Inspired by their example, 68 households in the sub-region quickly followed suit, contributing over 1,400 sq.m of residential and perennial cropland to widen the main road through the residential area. The exemplary role of Party members in Doan Ket stands as a shining example of studying and following President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, morality, and lifestyle.

Socio-economic development performance in first half of 2025 reviewed

The Hoa Binh provincial People's Committee held a monthly meeting on May 29 to assess the implementation of socio-economic development tasks in the first six months of 2025, the progress of key projects, and some other important issues.

Prioritizing the resources to achieve the goals for children

During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh always expressed his deep affection and special concern for children and youth. He once emphasized: "Caring for and educating children well is the responsibility of the entire Party and the entire people”; "First of all, the family (i.e. grandparents, parents, siblings) must do this job well”. "the Party Committees…, the Children’s Committee, the Youth Union, the education sector, and all related organizations must have specific plans to ensure children grow healthier and more progressive”. His teachings has been remaining valuable and serving as the guiding principles in the work of protecting, caring for, and educating children. In line with this ideology, Hoa Binh Province has continuously been prioritizing and investing resources in the well-being of children in recent years.

The Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee provides opinions on several Investment projects

Mr. Nguyen Phi Long, the alternate Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee chaired the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee to provide opinions on several investment projects within the province. There was the attendance of Ms. Bui Thi Minh, the Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Council; Mr. Bui Đuc Hinh, the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee and other members of the Standing Committee; the leaders from other departments, agencies, and some localities.

Hoa Binh province honours reputable persons, village elders

The Standing Board of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Committee of Hoa Binh province held a meeting on May 28 to honour outstanding village elders, village heads, and reputable individuals from local ethnic minority and religious communities.

Hoa Binh exhibition features Party formation, development

In mid-May, the provincial Museum organised an exhibition named "Duoi la co Dang Cong san Viet Nam quang vinh” (Under the flag of the glorious Communist Party of Vietnam). This meaningful activity took place in the joyful atmosphere to celebrate the country's major holidays and the Party congresses at all levels for the 2025-2030 term, towards the 14th National Party Congress.