10th CLMV Summit Sets Future Direction of Cooperation

The 10th Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam (CLMV) Summit, held on 9 December, emphasized enhancing effective connectivity for regional integration. CLMV leaders stressed the importance of the CLMV Action Plan (2021-2022) [4], which sets clear directions in trade and investment cooperation, human resources development, implementation of regional commitments, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recovery, and a framework for transforming the subregion into an Advanced Global Business Hub.  

The leaders also reviewed progress made and challenges encountered during the implementation of the CLMV Action Plan (2019-2020), which focused on harmonizing national development efforts and promoting regional integration. Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen noted the need to enhance policy coordination among CLMV countries to boost cross-border trade by simplifying cross-border procedures for customs clearance.  

CLMV leaders emphasized the effective implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025. The Master Plan highlights infrastructure, institutional, economic, and people-to-people connectivity. 

The GMS Program, which include CLMV member countries, though the GMS Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement [5] supports the goal of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015 [6] to develop a single market and production base where goods, services, investment, capital, and skilled labor flow freely.