At the conference, ministers discussed ways of promoting a cooperation programme on transport, trade, energy, telecommunications, agriculture, tourism and the environment during the time of global economic downturn.

The focus was also on a roadmap for expanding cooperation in energy, a strategy for human resource development to ensure the safe transport of workers, intensifying the control of infectious diseases and improving educational and training skills.

Since the implementation of the programme, exports from GMS countries have posted a four-fold increase, from US$37 billion in 1992 to US$211 billion in 2007.

The number of international tourists has also doubled, from 10 million in 1995 to 26 million in 2008 while foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region has risen from US$3 billion in 1992 to US$20 billion in 2008.