Myanmar has received 132 projects worth about US$38.6 million under the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation Special Fund between 2017 and 2025, with more than 100 projects already implemented, according to Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe.
He made the remarks at a photo exhibition and dinner ceremony held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation, which took place at M Gallery Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw on March 5.
Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe said that as the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation (MLC) enters a new decade in 2026, the year marks an important milestone for the region. He reaffirmed the principles of the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation and its vision of building a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable community with a shared future.
He also noted that Myanmar served as co-chair of the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation from 2020 to 2023. During that period, Myanmar successfully hosted the 4th Mekong–Lancang Leaders’ Meeting and the 7th Mekong–Lancang Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. In addition, Myanmar cooperated with China, the other co-chair, to successfully convene the 6th and 9th Mekong–Lancang Foreign Ministers’ Meetings. The meetings also resulted in the adoption of the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration and the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation Action Plan (2023–2027). Member countries also reached a consensus to establish a meeting mechanism for the Mekong–Lancang Innovation Corridor (MLC Innovation Corridor).
U Than Swe added that Myanmar received a total of 132 projects worth approximately US$38.6 million under the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation Special Fund between 2017 and 2025, and more than 100 of these projects have already been implemented. Through the implementation of these projects, progress has been made in socio-economic development and regional integration within the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation framework.
He expressed special appreciation to China for continuing to provide assistance to Mekong member countries through the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation Special Fund. Although significant achievements and progress have been made in the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation over the past decade, he said member countries are currently facing challenges such as changes in the global political landscape, economic instability, and climate change. Therefore, he emphasized the need to further strengthen cooperation among member countries to overcome these challenges and promote sustainable peace, security and prosperity in the region.
Following his remarks, Chinese Ambassador Ms. Ma Jia delivered a commemorative speech. A documentary video marking the 10th anniversary of the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation was then screened, after which the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs hosted a commemorative dinner reception.
The ceremony was attended by Union Minister U Than Swe, Union Ministers from ministries that have implemented projects funded by the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, the Chairman of the Nay Pyi Taw Council, deputy ministers, ambassadors and representatives from embassies of Mekong–Lancang member countries, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries.
The Mekong–Lancang Cooperation, established in 2016, is a sub-regional cooperation mechanism aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the region. It comprises six member countries: Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
