Japan Aids Mekong Downstream Countries

Japan is planning to financially assist five Mekong downstream countries of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar. Japanese Economy Minister Naosima-Masayuki announces the plan in a meeting with his counterparts from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand on the sidelines of a series of East Asia summit meetings in Thailand in October 2009.

 

The aid plan will cover such fields as improving infrastructure, promoting private investment, computerising customs procedures and building special economic regions. Besides, Japan will assist technologies for small and medium-sized businesses operating in automotive and electronic industries. At present, the Mekong River region is regarded as an emerging economic region in Asia. The government of Japan expects the funding will help the regional countries to revitalise their economies hit by the crisis.