Mekong countries’ leaders call for $66 billion investment

HANOI, Vietnam – The leaders of six countries along the Mekong River have adopted an ambitious investment plan worth $66 billion over the next five years.

At least $7 billion will come from the Asian Development Bank and the rest from governments and the private sector.

The plan was adopted at a summit in Vietnam on Saturday that included the heads of state of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the Chinese foreign minister.

The Greater Mekong Subregional economic co-operation program was initiated by the ADB in 1992 and has since mobilized $21 billion with the bulk going to infrastructure projects.