[InKunming--Sister Cities] On November 23, Chinese experts with foreign experts from Lancang-Mekong area gathered in Kunming together to talk about Lancang-Mekong cooperation in economic, and educational fields.

Both the Chinese and foreign experts think that Lancang-Mekong cooperation has great potential, and is beneficial to future development of the Lancang-Mekong area.  

Larry Kao, who is the executive director of Cambodian Manhattan International Limited, Co., shared his opinions on the cooperation. 

He said Yunnan and Kunming changed a lot compared to the images he had 10 years ago. In latest years, more and more Chinese and Cambodian entrepreneurs chose to cooperate for common development. Cambodian entrepreneurs are very optimistic about China’s funds and technologies, wishing Chinese entrepreneurs could invest in Cambodia. Chinese entrepreneurs’ investment is welcomed in Cambodia. 

Deng Gang, the leader of Oxbridge College of Kunming University of Science and Technology, introduced the situation of educational cooperation between Yunnan’s private universities and the Lancang-Mekong area’s private universities. 

He said, “During the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Entrepreneurs Conference, leaders of some private universities of the Lancang-Mekong area and me talked about constructing an alliance between us, to build a communication and coordination mechanism of regional private universities.”

Deng Gang thought that with the alliance and mechanism, private universities within the Lancang-Mekong area could cooperate closer, develop better together. 

Sutee Satanasathapron, the secretary general of Greater Mekong Business Council, from Thailand, said that Yunnan is very near to Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, having the advantage of transportation to connect with these countries. China, and Yunnan like to support us in several parts like we did. For example, we could cooperate in agriculture field where sources and experiences could be exchanged.

Oudet Souvannavongm, the president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that Kunming, as the capital city of Yunnan Province, has many similarities to Laos. Both countries have a lot of population. If a railway could be constructed between Laos and China, the two countries’ connection could be closer. Laos needs help from neighbouring countries such as China and Thailand. The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Entrepreneurs Conference builds a bridge for  entrepreneurs to communicate well. 

U Aung Min, the vice president of Myanmar National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed his opinions on the conference. He said, “China is a successful country to Myanmarese entrepreneurs. Chinese technologies are very developed. Myanmarese entrepreneurs expect to introduce the technologies into their country. The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Entrepreneurs Conference let me meet many new and successful entrepreneurs from different countries.”

Liu Jinxing, the president of Kunming Institute of International Logistics with South and Southeast Asia, said that Yunnan should construct kinds of networks with neighbouring countries. Connections in aviation, on land and seaway within the Lancang-Mekong area could bring great convenience to each country. Connections in energy and digital internet parts could also bring benefits to each country of the area. Once the networks are set up, trade and economy will prosper. 

(Editors: Cathy Chen, Christine)