GMS Focus Areas

Agriculture in the Greater Mekong Subregion

Agriculture is the backbone of the Greater Mekong Subregion’s economies. With over 60% of the subregion’s 340 million inhabitants engaged in small-scale agriculture, it directly supports the livelihoods of nearly 200 million people.

Energy in the Greater Mekong Subregion

New energy solutions are crucial to developing the Greater Mekong Subregion, where power demand is surging. These include improving energy efficiency and cross-border power trading.

Environment in the Greater Mekong Subregion

In the Greater Mekong Subregion, 200 million people in rural areas depend on their surrounding environment for food, water, energy, and income. Forests, wetlands, mangroves, farmlands, and other ecosystems account for between 20% and 55% of the subregion's wealth.

Health Cooperation and Human Resource Development in the Greater Mekong Subregion

Countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion aim for Sustainable Development Goals for health. Yet, the subregion still experiences high incidence of communicable diseases and drug-resistant microorganisms. GMS countries also suffer from inefficient health systems due to lack of synergies, economies of scale, and scope; and there are few common solutions to common health problems.

Information and Communication Technology

Information and communication technology (ICT) is helping to transcend geographic boundaries across the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Tourism in the Greater Mekong Subregion

GMS member countries and the Bangkok-based Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office are working to promote the Greater Mekong Subregion as a single destination for international visitors, and to encourage communities to enhance the environmental, social and economic benefits of tourism.

Transport and Trade Facilitation

Countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion are working to make the movement of goods and services across borders faster, easier, cheaper, more compliant, and more inclusive.

Transport in the Greater Mekong Subregion

Developing transport infrastructure in tandem with policies and procedures for crossing borders and promoting trade has been central to efforts to interconnect the Greater Mekong Subregion countries.

Urban Development

The Greater Mekong Subregion is working to improve the quality of life and economic vibrancy of its cities and towns by using global best practices in urban development.