Annual Report M E K O N G I N S T I T U T E

Transcription

1 Annual Report M E K O N G I N S T I T U T E

2 Contents 1 Message from MI Council Chairman 2 Message from MI Steering Committee Chairman 3 About the Mekong Institute 5 Highlight of Mission Vision Products and Services Four Keys Areas Partners Alumni Strategic Plan CCI and BA Capacity Building Project GMS Commitment to MI New Learning Programs GMS Business Network Forum Achievement in Programs Delivered 14 Strategic Plan Memoranda of Understanding Trade and Investment Facilitation Learning Programs Research Consultancy Service Financial Report Revenue Expenditure 22 Official Visits and Functions Official Visitors Functions Goals and Challenges MI Coordinating Agencies

3 2 Message from MI Council Chairman Mr. Gu Zhaoxi Vice Governor Yunnan Province, People s Republic of China I welcome the measures taken by the Mekong Institute in 2010 to collect important feedback and suggestions on MI s strategic direction over the next five years. At a time of rapid regional integration and a more competitive international environment it is important for GMS countries to maximize their human resource development and increase their collaboration and cooperation. MI has recognized the need to frame its goals and strategies within the context of the GMS Cooperation Program and the vision of an integrated ASEAN community by was an opportunity for MI to develop new initiatives, establish relationships with new donors and identify other funding sources. MI entered into 3 new Memoranda of Understanding with regional and national partners. This work has laid the foundations for the training programs and research projects successfully undertaken throughout the year. I would like to acknowledge the cash and in kind support provided by the Governments of GMS countries and express appreciation for the generous and on going support of donors. I congratulate MI Council members, the Director and staff of MI for their considerable efforts in With your support and assistance we will see MI provide a more diverse range of programs and services across the GMS in the future. I look forward to MI continuing to make an important contribution to the realization of a single production and resource base, equitable economic growth, poverty alleviation and sustainable management of natural resources across the GMS through its programs in Mr. Gu Zhaoxi MI Council Chairman

4 3 Message from MI Steering Committee Chairman Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee Chairman Export Import Bank of Thailand The Mekong Institute has successfully completed its first year as an inter government organization owned by the six GMS countries. It has moved quickly to adjust to its new status and responsibilities. As the only GMS owned human resource development organization in the sub region it is in a unique position to make an important contribution to integration, cooperation and human resource development in the GMS has seen MI broaden its role and diversify its activities to provide programs and services to not only its existing client base, but also to interests in the broader business community. It has developed much better networking among stakeholders, donors and other funding sources. In 2010 MI successfully delivered seventeen learning programs, completed five sub regional research projects and gained financial support from five new donors. In 2010 over four hundred people from the public sector, private sector and civil society benefited from their participated in MI programs. MI appreciates the continued support of member countries and international donors. In 2010 MI entered into memoranda of understanding with the Institute for Trade and Development, Thailand (ITD), Foreign Affairs Committee of Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People s Political Consultative Conference (YPC YPCC) and Betagro Group (BETAGRO), and developed a number of new programs with the support of donors. I would like to record my appreciation for the generous support and dedication of Council Committee members throughout Their efforts and contributions made my work as Chairman much easier. I thank each and every one of them for their assistance. I thank the Director and the staff of MI for their efforts in 2010 and wish them every success in I am looking forward to 2011 and commend the new programs and initiatives to be launched by MI through the course of the year. Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee MI Steering Committee Chairman

5 4 The Mekong Institute The Mekong Institute (MI) is an inter governmental organization with a residential learning facility located o n t h e c a m p u s o f K h o n K a e n U n i v e r s i t y i n northeastern Thailand. It serves the countries of the Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS), namely Cambodia, Lao P.D.R., Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of People Republic of China. MI is the only GMS based development learning institute, founded by the six GMS Governments, offering standard and on demand human resource development programs with focus on regional cooperation and integration issues. MI s learning programs and services cater to the capacity building needs of current and future GMS leaders and policy makers on issues around rural d evelopment, p ro j e c t m a n a gement, t ra d e a n d investment facilitation and human migration, with good governance and regional cooperation as cross cutting themes.

6 Vision 5 Capable and committed human resources working together for a more integrated, prosperous and harmonious GMS Mission To contribute through human resource development and capacity building to the acceleration of sustainable development and poverty alleviation in the Greater Mekong Sub region and promote regional cooperation and integration. Products and Services Learning Crosscutting Themes: 1. Good governance 2. Regional Cooperation and Integration Rural Development for Sustainable Livelihoods Trade and Investment Facilitation Human Migration Project Management Research Policy The Professional Development Series is a set of learning courses in MI s key areas which are offered annually. The Customized Learning Courses, workshops and structured learning visits are tailored to meet clients needs. GMS focused research, forum and symposium. Regional workshops, meetings, seminars and policy consultation on issues related to MI s four key areas Consultancy services on GMS cooperation and integration activities

7 6 MI s Four Key Areas Rural Development for Sustainable Livelihoods Agriculture Value Chains Natural Resource Management Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Food Security and Sufficiency Productivity and Post Harvest Support Trade and Investment Facilitation SME Clusters, Business to Business and Export Networking Trade and Investment Promotion in Economic Corridors CBTA and Logistics Public Private Partnerships Leadership in Competitive Enterprises Human Migration Safe Migration Labor Migration Management Harmonization of Migration Policies and Procedures Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Education Training and Skill Standard Project Management Effective Project Management in the GMS Strategic and Participatory Planning and Management Project Monitoring and Evaluation

8 MI Partners 7 In 2010 MI s funding partners include: Governments of the GMS countries Government of Japan (Japan ASEAN Integrated Fund) New Zealand International Aid and Development Agency (NZAID) Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency (TICA) International Weiterbildung und Entwicklung g GmbH (InWEnt) Asian Development Bank (ADB) Yunnan Provincial Committee of Chinese People s Political Consultative Conference (YPCC) Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP) Mekong River Commission (MRC) UNESCO IHE Institute for Water Education Key Advisors Limited MI works in partnership with national and regional institutes and organization to design and deliver programs, namely: GMS Business Forum Institute for Trade and Development, Thailand (ITD) Mekong Migration Network Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand Ubon Ratchathani University Yunnan University Israel s Agency for International Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Center for International Agricultural Development Center (CINADCO), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Hue Tourism College Technical Cooperation Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore Department of Commerce, Yunnan Provincial Government

9 8 MI Alumni As of 31 December 2010 To date, more than 3,388 alumni have attended MI s learning courses on rural development, trade and investment facilitation, good governance and public sector reform, project management, human migration and counter trafficking, among others. PR China 443 (13%) Myanmar 484 (14%) Lao PDR 617 (18%) Vietnam 502 (15%) Others 308 (9%) Thailand 462 (14%) Cambodia 572 (17%)

10 Highlight of Dr. Suchat Katima Director Mekong Institute 2010 was another busy year for MI. Particular highlights include the following: First, the work associated with the formulation of the MI Strategic Plan. The MI Strategic Plan was the product of six national consultations and a regional consultative workshop held between February and April The process was participatory to ensure all key stakeholders of MI at national and regional levels were consulted on the new strategic direction of MI as an Intergovernmental Organization. Secondly, the success of MI in obtaining a multi year grant for the Enhancing Capacity of Local Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Promoting Trade and Investment along the EWEC project. The project was formulated with active involvement of the Secretary General of the GMS Business Forum and officials of eleven CCI and business associations along the EWEC. An Inception Workshop to launch this project was held in November at UNESCAP. Senior Officials of the CCI, Federation of Thai Industry (FTI) and concerned provincial government agencies across the EWEC attended the workshop. Thirdly, the increased commitment of GMS member countries to the operation of MI as an Intergovernmental Organization. This is clearly evidenced by the increase in the annual contributions of member countries, the willingness of member countries to host MI capacity building programs in their respective countries and the willingness of member countries to sponsor government officials to participate in MI courses on a cost sharing basis. Fourthly, three new learning programs were designed and delivered during the year: a) the Transnational Agriculture Business on North South Economic Corridor program which is funded by the Yunnan Provincial Government, PRC, b) the Community based Ecotourism along the EWEC program which is funded by the Vietnamese Government and c) the Transborder Agriculture Value Chain Analysis and Promotion in the GMS program which is funded under the Thailand Singapore Partnership for Third Countries. Finally, a GMS Business Network Forum was conducted which brought together over 60 SMEs from Thailand and neighboring countries to promote B2B and SME networks in the GMS. This project is part of the ASEAN SME Regional Gate Way sponsored by the Office of SME Promotion of Thailand. Dr. Suchat Katima Director

11 10 Achievements in 2010 Strategic Plan In China In Laos In 2010 MI engaged in detailed consultations with stakeholders in all six GMS countries on how to maximize human resource development across the GMS within, and for, an increasingly challenging global environment. A Strategic Plan based on the feedback from the consultations was approved by the MI Council at its meeting in Kunming on 14 July The key features of the Strategic Plan are that MI will: Continue to focus on regional development and cooperation. Its training programs will be based on national HRD priorities that align with regional priorities; Design and deliver HRD programs that directly facilitate GMS integration and address cross border cooperation on issues directly linked to GMS integration; and Focus on sustainable development, trade and investment facilitation and human migration with good governance and regional cooperation and integration as cross cutting themes. The importance of climate change will be recognized and incorporated as a sub theme under sustainable development. The Strategic Plan has been framed in the context of the GMS Cooperation Program and the vision for an integrated ASEAN community by In Myanmar Over the next 5 years MI will contribute to the realization of a single production and resource base, equitable economic growth, poverty alleviation and sustainable management of natural resources in the GMS by paying special attention to the less advanced member countries, encouraging greater participation of the private sector and civil society in capacity building programs and building strategic alliances with development partners and national agencies. The Strategic Plan has been operationalized through the MI Business Plan that was unanimously approved by the MI Council Members from the six GMS countries. In Vietnam

12 Memoranda of Understanding 11 MI signed the following three new Memoranda of Understanding in 2010: 1. Institute for Trade and Development, Thailand (ITD) MI signed a MOU with ITD on 12 January 2010 to promote sustainable development and trade liberalization initiatives along the GMS economic corridors and capacity building of human resources on international trade, finance and investment and to increase awareness and information sharing amongst key stakeholders through joint research, workshops and seminar, and regional and international forums. Signing of ITD MOU in Bangkok 2. Foreign Affairs Committee of Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People s Political Consultative Conference (YPCC) MI signed a MOU with YPCC on 2 September 2010 to promote research on cooperation and development and regional economic cooperation and integration in the GMS, particularly along the economic corridors. 3. Betagro Group (Betagro) MI signed a MOU with Betagro Group on 13 December 2010 to collaborate in promoting transborder agriculture development in the GMS through joint projects in human capacity development, research and business networking. Areas of cooperation include short term and long term objectives ranging from developing an education networks to increase the capacity and quality of professional training in agriculture to cooperating on research projects on agriculture livelihoods in the GMS. Signing of YPCC MOU in Kunming OECD Development Finance Network Additionally, MI joined the OECD Development Finance Network and will be actively involved in framing forthcoming events, particularly the DeFiNe Assembly. Signing of BETAGRO MOU in Bangkok

13 12 Trade and Investment Facilitation Capacity Building Needs of Chambers of Commerce and Industries and Business Associations along the East West Economic Corridor (EWEC) Class discussion of Trade and Investment Terminology Stimulated Exhibition Store of Vietnam Country in Classroom In cooperation with the Japan ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) MI conducted an assessment of the capacity building needs of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCIs) and Business Association (BAs) along the EWEC. The study identified the core capacity building needs and essential complementary skills required to strengthen the capacity of CCIs and BAs to promote trade and investment along the EWEC. The study results are being used by MI to develop and deliver events to facilitate dialogue between decision makers from concerned government agencies, local authorities and the private sector on emerging trade and investment issues. MI is also conducting learning visits to explore trade and investment opportunities, developing training modules to develop skills on trade promotion and creating a data base on trade and investment for the EWEC. Capacity Building Needs for the Transformation of the North South Economic Corridor (NSEC) into an Economic Corridor Mini Workshop in Luang Nam Tha, Lao PDR MI undertook a needs assessment along the NSEC to provide an update of a logistics study conducted in The study gathered empirical data and undertook an assessment of the capacity of key stakeholders involved in the transformation of the NSEC from a transport corridor into an economic corridor. The study proposed policy recommendations to bridge the human capacity gap in order to attain the necessary transformation. As a result of the study, MI will initially organize capacity building programs for CCIs along the NSEC and create a database on trade and investment for the NSEC. Group interview in China

14 Launch of Joint Program on Private Sector Development along the EWEC 13 The workshop was jointly organized by UNESCAP, ADB and MI on private sector development along the EWEC. It was held on 16 November 2010 in Bangkok. The workshop was attended by 54 representatives from Lao, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar national and provincial CCIs, Federation of Thai Industries, SME associations, and officials from government departments involved in trade promotion along with delegates from ADB, UNESCAP and MI. Three interrelated projects were launched during the workshop, namely: a) ADB technical assistance on Strengthening Local Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIs) along the East West Economic Corridor to Promote Trade, Investment and Value Chains ; b) UNESCAP technical assistance on Business for Development: Capacity Building of SMEs in the GMS for Their Effective Penetration into Regional and Global Markets ; and c) MI s project on Enhancing Provincial and Local Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations Capacities in Trade and Investment Facilitation along East West Economic Corridor. Participants attending Inception Workshop Held to Launch Joint Program on Private Sector Development along EWEC

15 14 Programs Delivered MI s programs in 2010 centered on three areas: learning programs, research and consultancies. Learning Programs The learning program included core and customized learning programs. MI s core programs focused on current GMS issues within MI s four key areas: rural development, project management, trade investment facilitation and human migration. The programs mostly targeted government officials, both senior and middle management, and NGOs staff. MI s customized learning programs are designed to meet the specific needs of the member countries and provide opportunities to partner with other regional academic and development institutions. They are usually not more than three weeks in length and are aimed at attracting participants from corporations, public utilities as well as the public sector within the GMS counties. This year MI successfully delivered a total of seven core and nine customized learning programs

16 Core Learning Programs 15 The seven core delivered learning programs were mainly sponsored by NZAID, TICA and ADB PPP. MI also successfully developed and delivered three new workshops on Community-based Ecotourism along the EWEC, Agriculture Sector Value Chains Analysis and Promotion and Transboundary Agribusiness Development and Management. The courses and workshops covered Small Medium Enterprise Development, Project Management, Research Methodology, Agriculture Value Chains and Ecotourism. MI again conducted the half year Young GMS Professionals for Sustainable Human Resources Development Program as part of its core programs in 2010 which offers young professionals from the region a unique opportunity to develop their professional skills and knowledge on current GMS development issues in one of the regions leading HRD institutes. Following the successful completion of the program a number of participants joined MI as regular staff. Structure learning Class activity Participants in Young GMS Professionals for Sustainable Human Resources Development program Customized Learning Programs In 2010, nine customized learning programs included training programs, structured learning visits and forums were conducted. The programs focused on areas such as Transboundary Water Management, Transboundary Agribusiness Development, SME Business Network, Facilitation Skills and East West Economic Corridor Development. In conducting the customized learning Programs MI partnered with the MRC, InWEnt, YPCC, OSMEP, YNFAO, UNESCO IHE and ADB. Field visit Home stay during field visit

17 16 Programs Participation 454 people participated MI learning programs in (68%) were from the government sector and 146 (32%) were from the private sector and civil society. A breakdown by gender shows that 31% of participants were female and 69% were male. 415 participants (91%) came from GMS countries and 39 (9%) came from Non GMS countries. Among the GMS countries, 22% were from Cambodia, 7% from China, 26% from Laos, 9% from Myanmar, 21% from Thailand and 15% from Vietnam. Participants Breakdown by Sector Participants Breakdown by Gender 146 (32%) 308 (68%) Male 313 (69%) Government Sector Private Enterprise/Civil Society Participants Breakdown by GMS & Non GMS Country 61 (15%) 93 (22%) Participants Breakdown by GMS 39 (9%) 89 (21%) 36 (9%) 106 (26%) 30 (7%) 415 (91%) Cambodian Chinese Laotian Myanmar Thai Vietnamese GMS Participants Non-GMS participants

18 Effectiveness of MI s Learning Programs 17 Participants rated the effectiveness of MI s learning programs in 2010 as very effective, above 4 on a 5 point scale. To assess relevance and application of knowledge and skills gained from the programs, a follow up questionnaire was sent to all participants. Preliminary results indicate that participants found their MI course provided skills and knowledge that are very useful and a clear understanding of the need for better coordination across the GMS. Participants Satisfaction with MI Learning Programs Attainment of Course Objectives 4.09 Relevance of Course Curriculum Design Effectiveness of Monitoring and Evaluation Services Course Management Effectiveness of Presenters 4.45 I have gained confidence in presenting my ideas and bring a broad range of experiences to my work and it has also broadened my professional network. Li Xin from China I am very happy to have participated in the international conference in MI. I gained knowledge and experience from the seminar program and from the foreign friends. I learned how to integrate and cluster SMEs and will use the knowledge in the development of SMEs in my own country, especially along EWEC. Mr. Keomano Khounkeoouthoum from Lao PDR, Secretary General, Savannakhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry

19 List of Mekong Institute Learning Programs No. Core Programs 1 Income Generation and Poverty Reduction Number of Participants Date Donors Feb 19 Mar TICA 2 Project Management April ADB 3 The 4th Regional Research Development and Methodology 4 Enhancing Entrepreneurship in SME Development 5 Transborder Agricultural Value Chains Analysis and Promotion Workshop and SLV 6 Community based Ecotourism along EWEC 7 The 4th Research Roundtable Meeting (MIRAC) May NZAID 21 9 Aug 3 Sept. TICA Sept TICA May Vietnamese Government Mar. NZAID 8 Young GMS Professionals Program 6 May October NZAID No. Customized Program Number of Participants Date Donors 1 Integrated Water Resource Management Feb MRC 2 Income Generation and SME Models in Da Nang and Hoi An, Vietnam 3 Effective Presentation & Communication Skills May InWEnt Jun InWEnt 4 Integrated Water Resource Management Jul MRC 5 EWEC Structured Learning Visit for Chinese Officials 6 Transboundary Agribusiness Development & Management 7 ASEAN SME Regional Gateway GMS SME BIZ Network 8 Transboundary Water Conflict Management and International Water Governance 9 Training of Trainers (TOT) on Trade and Investment Promotion 9 27 Aug 5 Sept CPPCC Mar 2 April YNFAO Sept OSMEP Nov MRC and UNESCO IHE Dec ADB

20 Research 19 In 2010, MI continued a number of GMS-focused research activities. Research Rountable Meeting MI conducted its 4th research rountable meeting which was attended by experts and discussants, Mekong Institute Research Adviory Committee (MIRAC) members and twenty-two GMS researchers. The meeting gave the GMS researchers the opportunity to present their findings from their subregional research projects, obtain feedback and recommendations from experts, and discuss how to utilize the research results to enhance MI s learning programs. The research projects presented during the rountable meeting were: Credit Accessbility of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Greater Mekong Subregion: A Case Study of Manufacturing Sectors in Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam Transboundary Production in Agriculture: A Case Study of Maize Contract Farming in Cambodia and Lao PDR Rural Household s Accessibility to Public Health Care in Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand Impacts of Land and Forest Policies on the Livelihoods of Ethnic Minorities: A Case Study in the Uplands of Cambodia, China, Lao PDR and Thailand Labor Migration in the East-West Economic Corridor: A Case Study of Vietnam Participants attending the MIRAC Meeting held in Khon Kaen in March 2010

21 20 Research Publication To increase awareness of current GMS issues and to promote regional research projects, MI published the following research papers in the Research Working Paper Series. 1. Transboundary Production in Agricuturure: A case Study of Maize Contract Farming in Cambodia 2. Labor Migration in East-West Economic Corridor: A Case Study of Vietnam 3. Credit Accessibility of Small and Medium Enterprises: A Case Study of the Manufacturing Sector in Vietnam 4. An Assessment on Rural Households Accessibility to Health Care in Tarchilek, Union of Myanmar 5. Impacts of Land and Forest Policies on the Livelihood of Ethnic Minorities in Lao PDR 6. Rural Households Accessibility to Health Care in Cambodia 7. Allocation of Agricultural and Forest: A Case Study of Ethnic Minorities in Mondul Kiri Province, Cambodia Research Methodology Training MI provided regional research methodology training to twenty young GMS researchers to help them to carry out research on issues identified by MIRAC. Following the training, the researchers came up with nine research proposals that they will pursue: 1. Role of Non farm Income on Household Economy in the GMS Rural Area: Case study in Vietnam, Yunnan (China) and Myanmar 2. Postharvest Practices of Local Agriculture Products in Northern Thailand: A Case Study of Chilli, Mango and Papaya 3. Visible and Hidden Costs in Using Education Service by Foreign Students at Foreign Trade University, Vietnam 4. Trafficking of Women and Children in the Context of Migration in Three Communes of Tay Ninh Province in Southern Vietnam 5. Impacts of Labor Migration on Local Economy of Receiving Communities Thailand, Lao PDR and Cambodia 6. The Impact of Rural Tourism Development on Ethnic Minority Women s Empowerment in Yunnan 7. Remittance Behavior Among Migrants Working in Thailand: A Comparison between Lao Migrants and Mon Migrants 8. The Impact of Export Promotion Strategies on Trade Sector in the Economy of Myanmar 9. Kunming Bangkok Expressway: A Case Study in Intra GMS Export

22 Conducted Research 21 MI also conducted four internal research projects Under Young GMS Professionals for Sustainable Human Resources Development Program to enhance the content and quality of MI s learning programs. The research undertaken covered: 1. Impacts of Labor Migration on Local Economy of Receiving Communities Thailand and Lao PDR 2. Capacity Building Needs Assessment of Chamber of Commerce along EWEC and NSEC 3. Functional English for Trade and Investment Facilitation in the Greater Mekong Subregion 4. Chilli Post Harvest Practices in Thailand With a research grant from ADB-PPP, MI, In collaboration with Ubon Ratchathani University and Yunnan University, conducted research on Improving Management policies for Cross-border Contract Farming between China, Thailand and Laos. A joint research paper will be published. Consultancy Service During the year MI expanded its services to undertake consultancy work. On behalf of InWEnt MI evaluated the effectiveness of the Innovative Regional Management Program conducted by InWEnt in Cambodia and Laos to review its effectiveness and make recommendations to improve implementation during the remaining phase of the program. On behalf of ADB, MI undertook a consultancy to develop a modular training program for local CCIs. This consultancy included an analysis of the capacity development need of local CCIs and the design and delivery of a relevant training program for local CCIs along the EWEC.

23 22 Financial Report As of 31 December 2010 REVENUE AMOUNT (USD) Grants for Learning Programs Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency (TICA) Internationale Weiterbildung und Entwicklung ggmbh (InWEnt) Asian Development Bank (ADB) Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP) New Zealand International Aid and Development Agency (NZAID) Mekong River Commission (MRC) Chinese People s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) UNESCO IHE Institute for Water Education Partial Scholarship 175, , , , , , , , Total Grant for Learning Program 630, Grants for Projects Capacity Building and Strategic Planning Project (NZAID) Enhancing Provincial and Local Chambers of Commerce Capacities in Trade and Investment Facilitation along EWEC Project (JAIF) Improving Management Policies for Cross-Border Contract Farming between China, Thailand and Laos (ADB) Other 353, , , , Total Grant for Projects 423, GMS Countries Contributions Thai Government Chinese Government Vietnamese Government Lao Government 346, , , , Total Contributions 668, Other Revenue 27, Total Revenue 1,750,309.21

24 23 EXPENDITURE AMOUNT (USD) Learning Program Expenses Learning Program Delivery Program Administration Expenditure 309, , Total Learning Program Expenses 589, Project Expenses Capacity Building and Business Plan Project (NZAID) Enhancing Provincial and Local Chambers of Commerce Capacities in Trade and Investment Facilitation along EWEC Project (JAIF) Improving Management Policies for Cross Border Contract Farming between China, Thailand and Laos (ADB) 252, , , Total Project Expenses 282, Operation Expenses Salary and Common Staff Benefits Travel Stationery and Supplies General Operation Expenses Contractual Service Repair and Maintenance Meeting Expenses Depreciation 347, , , , , , , , Total Operation Expenses 636, Total Expenses 1,508, Revenue over Expenditure 242,174.32

25 Revenue Project Grants 24% Other Revenue 2% GMS Countries Contributions 38% Learning Program Grants 36% 2010 Expenditure Operation Expenses 42% Learning Program and Project Expenses 58% 2010 Source of Funds 1%1% 1% 7% 8% 2% 2% 3% 2% 5% 16% 22% 30% Thai Government NZAID Chinese Government InWEnt ADB OSMEP MRC Japan ASEAN Project CPPCC Vietnamese Government MI Facilities Services Lao Government Other

26 Official Visits and Functions 25 Official Visitors In 2010, MI hosted the following guests to learn about MI and to explore opportunities for working with MI: Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary General of ASEAN The Ambassador for Israel in Thailand H.E. Itzhak Shoham and the Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission, Ms Idit Shamir Mr. Keichi Ono, Director of First Southeast Asia Division, Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan A delegation from Quang Tri Province led by Mr. Le Huu Thang, Vice Chairman of Quang Tri people s Committee and six provincial officials A delegation led by Dr. Gu Xiaosong, Senior Researcher and Vice president of Guangxi Academy of Social Science (GASS) Mr. Akiie Ninomiya, the Executive Director of the Foundation of Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) A delegation of the Institute of South East Asian Studies of Vietnam (ISEAS) led by Dr. Nguyen Si Tuan, Director General of ISEAS Visit by Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary General of ASEAN Visit by the Ambassador for Israel in Thailand H.E. Itzhak Shoham

27 26 Visit by Mr. Keichi Ono, Director of First Southeast Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan Visit led by Mr. Le Huu Thang, Vice Chairman of Quang Tri people s Committee Visit led by Dr. Gu Xiaosong, Senior Researcher a n d V i c e p re s i d e nt o f G u a n g x i A cademy o f Social Science V i s i t by M r. A k i i e N i n o m i ya, t h e E xe c u t i ve Director, Foundation of Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability Visit by a delegation from the Institute of South East Asian Studies of Vietnam led by Dr. Nguyen Si Tuan, Director General, ISEAS

28 Function 27 GMS Stakeholders Meeting on MI Strategic Plan Over 60 representatives from the 6 GMS member countries, international organizations, development partners and civil society met in Kunming on 12 July to shape the future of MI. The meeting was hosted by the Yunnan Provincial Government to deliberate on MI s strategic focus and discuss concrete implementation strategies. Two panel discussions were held on trade and rural development to galvanize the interest and commitment of stakeholders to MI programs. Participants reaffirmed MI s key areas and strategies, but raised the need to address climate change and ecological protection. The meeting gave valuable suggestions on partnership and resource mobilization. MI Stakeholders Meeting held in Kunming Development Partners Consultative Meeting on Mekong Institute s Business Plan The development partners consultative meeting on Mekong Institute s Business Plan was held on 14 December 2010 in Bangkok. The meeting was attended by MI Council and Steering Committee members, MI staff and invited development partners. The development partners gave inputs on the Business Plan and explored funding and partnership opportunities. MI Development Partner s Consultative Meeting held in Bangkok

29 Goals and Challenges The main challenges for MI in 2011 are to make greater progress in delivering human resource development and regional integration and cooperation in a number of specific areas identified in the Business Plan and build up its capacity to deliver programs to prepare GMS countries for membership of the ASEAN community will be a busy year for MI and its partners. Nineteen activities will be organized and new development initiatives will be launched. The development of closer economic relations between GMS countries and their integration into the ASEAN economic community underscores the importance of strengthening the capacity of GMS officials in trade policy development and negotiation as well as the skills of the business sector. In terms of rural development, MI will collaborate w i t h t h e B eta g ro P u b l i c Company in providing 50 rural agricultural college students with firsthand information and practical training on swine production and transborder value chains. MI will provide facilitation skills training to development practitioners and trainers through a skills studio which emphasizes interaction and experimentation as well as a program for river basin planners and organizers to share information on water users needs and to open up communications among different stakeholders. M I w i l l i m p l e m e n t a r e s u l t s b a s e d monitoring and evaluation system using the results of 2010 as a baseline. For example, under this system, the number of activities to be undertaken by MI will be increased by 20%, participants will be increased by 20%, private sector and quasi governmental participants will be increased by 33% in In summary, 2011 will be a year of further change for MI where a more programmatic approach to program delivery will occur, a number of new initiatives will be launched and special attention will be given to initiatives which will enhance trade and investment along the NSEC and EWEC, network and business matching of SMEs along the EWEC and capacity building for p a r t i c i p a n t s f ro m C, L, M a n d V i n postharvest practices. Organizationally, MI will increase the GMS representation among professional staff, improve its p r o g ra m p r o d u c t i v i t y a n d m a i n t a i n s t r i n g e n t f i n a n c i a l d i s c i p l i n e o v e r operational costs.

30 MI Coordinating Agencies 29 Cambodia Mr. Chhuon Chham Deputy Secretary General The Council for Administrative Reform Office of the Council of Ministers 41 Russian Federation Boulevard. Phnom Penh, Cambodia Telephone : (855 23) Fax : (855 23) E mail : chhuonchham@yahoo.com P.R. China Mr. Wang Zehua Director General Yunnan Academy of Science and Technology Development Yunnan Research & Coordination Office for Lancangmekong Subregional Cooperation 19th FI., Provincial Science & Technology Bldg., 542 Beijing Road, Kunming City Yunnan Province, P.R. China Tel : (86 871) , Fax : (86 871) wzh1116@yahoo.cn Lao PDR Mr. Latsamy Keomany Director General Department of Economic Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Sign Ha Road, Vientiane, Lao PDR Telephone : (856 21) Fax : (856 21) E mail : lkeomany@yahoo.com.au Myanmar Daw Myat Myat So Director General Foreign Economic Relations Department Ministry of National Planning and Development Building No. (1), Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar Telephone : (95 67) Fax : (95 67) , E mail : ferd.mmr@mptmail.net.mm Thailand Mr. Apinan Phatarathiyanon Director General Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency Ministry of Foreign Affairs 962 Krung Kasem Road, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Telephone : (66 2) Fax : (66 2) E mail : tica@mfa.go.th Vietnam Mr. Hoang Viet Khang Director General In Charge of GMS Cooperation Ministry of Planning and Investment 2 Hoang, Van Thu Street, Hanoi, Vietnam Telephone : (84 4) Fax : (84 4) E mail : phuongnh@mpi.gov.vn

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32 MEKONG INSTITUTE 123 Khon Kaen University, Mittraphap Road, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand Tel. +66 (0) , +66 (0) Fax. +66 (0) Website.