Nineteen projects from five Thai agencies have gained funding through the Mekong-Lancang Special Fund (MLCSF), focusing on public health, the green economy, and agricultural modernization. This announcement came during Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Week 2026 in Bangkok, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the MLC framework. The initiative highlights strengthened regional collaboration aiming at sustainable and stable growth. Get today's headlines by email The MLCSF, initiated in 2016 with backing from China, facilitates development projects across China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. It targets areas like agriculture, public health, environmental protection, education, and cultural exchange to enhance local development and cooperation. Thailand, as this year's MLC co-chair, has benefited significantly with more than 100 projects receiving over US$29 million in funding. This year's 19 projects, involving key Thai ministries and agencies, are set to support sustainable development and strengthen economic and environmental resilience in Thailand and the Mekong region. Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jianwei emphasized these projects inject crucial momentum into regional development, aligning with China's vision for an evolved "MLC 2.0." During the event, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged enhanced cooperation and innovative green growth in the region, promoting peace and security. Chettaphan Maksamphan, a deputy permanent secretary at the Thai foreign ministry, called for focused cooperation to address the Mekong region's evolving challenges, reaffirming Thailand’s role in delivering effective project results. Looking forward, Thailand remains committed to steering these initiatives towards practical outcomes as the region prepares for the upcoming leaders' meeting later in the year, reported Bangkok Post. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 25 Mar 2026
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