On the 15th and 16th January, the Mekong International Committee organized the 21st session in Hanoi. Taking part in the session were delegates from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
The session is aimed at evaluating the outcomes achieved by the Committee in 2014 and proposing actions in 2015.
Also at the session, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand handed over his title President of the Council of the International Mekong Commission over the term 2014 – 2015 to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam over the term 2014-2015.
Speaking at the session, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam Nguyen Minh Quang had pointed out some challenges that are to be faced with by the regional countries in the coming time. These include the fact that rapid economic development and increasing water use in the region have been putting strong pressure on water resources and other related resources in the Mekong River Delta.
In addition, Minister Nguyen Minh Quang proposed to the Committee to systematically implement prioritized actions: Promoting the overall research by the Committee on the sustainable management and development for Mekong River Delta, including impacts caused by hydropower plant projects in main rivers; Completing the review and updating of basin development strategy based on comprehensive management of water resources and formulation of an action plan for implementing such strategy from 2016 to 2020; Continue to enhance the realization of Procedures by the Committee, etc.