This action research is aimed at identifying potential of and designing strategy for developing dynamic and vibrant SME clusters in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV). It is imperative to mention here that eight clusters, two from each CLMV countries were selected for the purpose of the action research. The clusters thus selected here are rattan and silk clusters in Cambodia, silk and wooden furniture clusters in Lao PDR, mango and fishery clusters in Myanmar and ceramic and tea clusters in Vietnam. It was found during conduction of the research that the concept of clustering and cluster development as a tool for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) development is yet to sink in the Government policy. Though there are some ad-hoc measures made in developing SME clusters in a few countries in different time scale, but devising a comprehensive strategy of cluster development to ensure holistic growth of small and medium enterprises and improving their global competitiveness has not been attempted previously in the CLMV countries.
OECD-ASEAN Training on investment Policy Making in the CLMV to
Support the Initiative for ASEAN Integration
The Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI), launched in 2000, helps ASEAN’s newer Member States implement ASEAN commitments and agreements. Through special assistance to Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam (CLMV countries), it aims to further regional integration in order to narrow the development gap within ASEAN. IAI has so far seen the adoption of two work plans. Work Plan I, from 2002 to 2008, comprised 232 projects in four areas. Work Plan II began in 2009, and includes 182 actions aligned with the three ASEAN Community Blueprints 2015. However, while over 280 projects worth over US$40 million have been undertaken, the implementation rate for actions is less than 45%. One key challenge for Work Plan III therefore is to undertake a more strategic and focused effort in the development and implementation of the actions. IAI Work Plan III has been developed in close collaboration with CLMV countries, other ASEAN Member States and stakeholders, and is aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the various sectoral work plans. To improve focus and lift implementation, five strategic areas have since been identified
Under the framework of the project Network for Agriculture and Rural Development Think-tanks for Countries in Mekong sub-region (NARDT) funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The 1st Annual Steering Committee meeting of NARDT project was organized successfully on 16 and 17 January 2020 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The Mekong River Basin Indicator Framework provides a consistent and streamlined approach to data collection, analysis and reporting, to help alert Member Countries to the key issues and trends and identify areas for further investigation and cooperation across five core dimensions (environment, social, economic, climate change and cooperation).
The evolution of Chinese trade, investment, and consumption patterns offers opportunities and challenges to low-wage low-income countries, including China’s neighbors in the Mekong region. Cambodia, Lao P.D.R., Myanmar, and Vietnam (the CLMV) are heterogeneous, but they are all open economies that are highly integrated with China. Rebalancing in China may mean less of a role for commodity exports from the region, but at the same time, the CLMV’s low labor costs suggest that manufacturing assembly for export could take off as China becomes less competitive, and as China itself demands more consumption items.
Senior economic officials from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Việt Nam (CLMV) gathered in Hà Nội on Sunday for their 18th meeting, hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).
The Mekong River Commission’s (MRC) State of Basin Report is a flagship product of the organisation and an integral part of the MRC’s strategic planning cycle. Compiled about every five years based on the facts and figures of the available data and information, the report assesses conditions within the basin and the impacts, both positive and negative, that development and use of the water and related natural resources are having. The report thus provides a comprehensive basis for the Member Countries and other key stakeholders to discuss and determine appropriate actions by which to realise the MRC’s aims for optimal and sustainable development of the basin as set out in the 1995 Mekong Agreement.
Study period 2017
The group of authors project ‘Assessing the Potential of Climate Smart Agriculture in Large Rice Field Models in Vietnam’, including co – editors: Dr. Dang Cong Thang (IPSARD), Dr. Dang Kim Khoi, Do Huy Thiep, Vu Thi Lan, Thai Van Tinh (Researcher from the Center for Agricultural Policy), Valerien Olivier Pede (Senior Economist – International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Philippines).
CLMV economy will continue its high growth at 6 - 7% in 2018 and maintain such a bright prospect in the coming years supported by exports, foreign direct investment, and tourism. In addition, rising income and rapid expansion of internet access is paving ways for a new business channel, e - Commerce. Despite its small size, e - Commerce market in CLMV shows a promising growth prospect and hence offers an attractive business opportunity. However, continued trade deficits, high external debt and political issues remain major risks to economic growth.