Participants gather for a photo group at the forum on Tuesday.

Mekong-ROK business forum enhancing SME links, market expansion

The 12th Mekong-Korea Business Forum convened in Vientiane on Tuesday, with a  focus on enhancing SME connectivity, increasing trade opportunities, and expanding markets within the Mekong region.
The forum was co-hosted by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Laos and the Republic of Korea, and chaired by Laos’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Bounleua Phandanouvong and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Mr Chung Byung-won.
Held under the theme “Capacity Building of SMEs to Enhance Connectivity in the Mekong Region”, the forum brought together representatives from the public and private sectors of the Mekong countries—Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam—alongside counterparts from South Korea.
The forum serves as a platform for public and private sectors from the Mekong River countries and South Korea to come together, share insights, and exchange information aimed at addressing various challenges.
The goal is to enhance the capabilities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the broader business sector within the Mekong River region, facilitating their expansion into new markets, fostering commercial integration, and establishing a robust network between businesses in the Mekong River countries and South Korea.
Two key topics were addressed: the current business environment for SMEs in the Mekong region and Korea, and measures to enhance connectivity and cooperation through the Mekong-Korea framework.
In conjunction with the forum, the National Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Laos and South Korea organised a one-on-one business meeting, facilitating discussions on trade opportunities, particularly in the import and export sectors.
Participants also visited the Vientiane Logistics Company and several tourist attractions in Vientiane on Wednesday.
The Mekong-Korea Cooperation Framework, established in 2011, aims to strengthen economic and social development between the Mekong region and Korea, promoting mutual prosperity and contributing to the creation of the ASEAN community.
The framework focuses on seven priority areas, including culture and tourism, human resource development, agriculture and rural development, infrastructure, information technology, and addressing new challenges.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 22, 2024)