The Eighth Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit opened in Bangkok, Thailand on June 16. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China sent a message of congratulations to the Summit. Lyu Jian, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand attended the opening ceremony of the Summit and the ACMECS CEO Forum.

In his message, Premier Li said that ACMECS has made significant progress in promoting the sustainable development and prosperity of the sub-region. As the initiator and current chair, Thailand has done tremendous work for ACMECS. The Mekong sub-region enjoys vast development potential and its development and prosperity calls for the joint efforts of all parties involved. It is hoped that ACMECS and other relevant frameworks, including the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, will complement each other by drawing on respective strengths and jointly contribute to the economic and social development of the riparian countries and the greater well-being of their people. China is ready to make unremitting efforts with countries in the region toward this end.

Ambassador Lyu Jian told the press after the Summit that the message from Premier Li Keqiang gave full expression to the importance attached and the support given by China to Mekong sub-regional cooperation. ACMECS and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Mechanism could advance in parallel and reinforce each other as they follow similar principles. It is believed that they will synergize in creating tangible benefits for people in the region.

ACMECS, with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam as members, was established in 2003 for the purpose of lifting the level of economic development of Mekong sub-region countries, and narrowing the gap of economic and social development. Dignitaries of Japan, Australia and the ROK also sent messages of congratulations to the Summit. Famous Chinese entrepreneurs, including Liu Qiangdong, Chairman and CEO of JD.com, were invited to the CEO Forum.