Mekong River Commission Secretariat

Mekong River Commission hosts high-level
regional meeting at Hua Hin

Vientiane, Lao PDR/Hua Hin, Thailand
November 20, 2009

The future use of Mekong Basin water resources as a tool for promoting economic growth will come under scrutiny at a meeting of the Mekong River Commission’s Council to be held in Hua Hin, Thailand this month, to which media organisations are invited.

The Sixteenth Meeting of the MRC Council, will be held at the Hyatt Regency, Hua Hin, Thailand, 26 – 27 November 2009.

Highlights will include:

• Discussion on the proposed hydropower schemes planned for the mainstream Mekong. How will countries of the region consider sustainability issues? What are the strategic environmental considerations that need to be taken into account?
• The opportunities and long-term strategic direction of water resources management in the Mekong basin
• A ceremony to mark the support of 7 million Euros to the MRC from the Government of Belgium, to support the MRC’s Navigation and Sustainable Hydropower programmes (27 November, 12.00, followed by luncheon)
• Ceremony to mark the support of 500,000 Euros from the Government of France to support the Environment Programme (27 November, 1550, followed by coffee)

Prominent government figures will be present from all Member Countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam) (see names of dignitaries below) and will be available for interview and comment at various times throughout the two-day meeting. Parts of the meeting will be open to the public and journalists.
 
A more detailed press release will follow.

Notes to editors:

Dignitaries present will include:

H.E. Mr Tram Iv Tek
Minister of Public Works & Transport
Vice Chairman of the Cambodian national Mekong Committee
Alternate Member of the MRC Council for Cambodia

H.E. Mme. Khempheng Pholsena
Minister to the Prime Minister's Office
Head of Water Resources and Environment Administration (WREA)
Chairperson of Lao National Mekong Committee

H.E. Mr. Suwit Khunkitti
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment
Chairman of Thai National Mekong Committee
Member of the MRC Council for Thailand
Chairman of the MRC Council for 2009/2010

H.E. Dr. Pham Khoi Nguyen
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment
Chairman of Viet Nam National Mekong Committee
Member of the MRC Council for Viet Nam

The MRC is the intergovernmental body responsible for cooperation on the sustainable management of the Mekong Basin whose members include Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam. In dealing with these challenges, it looks across all sectors including sustaining fisheries, identifying opportunities for agriculture, maintaining the freedom of navigation, flood management and preserving important ecosystems. Superimposed on these are the future effects of more extreme floods, prolonged drought and sea level rise associated with climate change. In providing its advice, the MRC aims to facilitate a broad range of dialogue among governments, the private sector and civil society on these challenges.  

For more media related information, contact:
Khy Lim, Communication Officer,
Tel: +(856 20) 552 8726.
E-mail: khy@mrcmekong.org.

Website: www.mrcmekong.org

 

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