The two-day meeting will also create guidelines for a long-term strategy for the region and deal with a number of issues such as the development of economic corridors.

Others items on the agenda are transport corridors: support for trade and transport areas; the development of railway links, renewable energy sources, agriculture, tourism sources, human resources and the environment.

Participants will focus on measures to upgrade infrastructure, improve the business environment, ensure social security, and protect the environment.

Since 1992, six GMS countries including Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam have participated in a comprehensive programme of economic cooperation with the support of the Asian Development Bank and other partners. The programme has helped to improve economic growth rates and reduce poverty.

ADB is helping the GMS nations build roads, railways, ports, power stations, and safe water systems in conformity with international standards.