The presentations and discussions at the seminar will focus on the following issues:
• The main challenges to bridging the development gap between the Mekong region and the rest of Asia, and the ways in which greater integration into the regional and global economies can accelerate this process.
• A review of existing regional integration initiatives aimed at bridging this development gap and how they might best be designed to achieve this purpose.
• The consequence of broader trends within Asia for the Mekong region, including the rise of India and China and the potential integration of ASEAN with these countries.
• The benefits and risks for the Mekong countries associated with the trend within Asia towards bilateral and regional trade agreements, and their consistency with the process of WTO accession
• The challenges faced by the Mekong region in their efforts to compete in an increasingly integrated regional and global economy and the priorities for reform to meet these challenges.
• The opportunities and obstacles to investment in the Mekong region, from the perspective of both policy makers and the private sector.
• The role of the global community and international financial institutions in facilitating economic integration and development in the Mekong region.
International Monetary Fund
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