On June 6, 2019, Chargé d’affaires Boosara Kanchanalai of Thailand highlighted the strategic and economic importance of the Mekong subregion as a new engine of economic growth in Asia and called for stronger partnership between the United States and this fast growing subregion.

Speaking at a panel discussion on “Economic Allure of the Subregion from the ICT Revolution to the Infrastructure Bonanza” at the Meridian International Center’s Diplomacy Forum on the Lower Mekong subregion on June 6, 2019, CDA Boosara discussed opportunities for deeper and broader partnership between the United States and the Mekong subregion under frameworks such as the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS). She also emphasized the need to attract and mobilize financing from the U.S. government and private sector to promote greater connectivity, integration, and sustainable development of countries in this subregion.

The United States can be a key partner in Thailand’s economic future by investing more in the advanced industries, especially in the Eastern Economic Corridor, and working in partnership with Thailand to promote development in the Mekong subregion, said CDA Boosara.

At the cultural reception wrapping up the conference, participants had an opportunity to enjoy a variety of cultural performances from Mekong countries, including Thai traditional music and classical dance, savory food, and intricate fruit carving demonstration.