Cambodian youth discuss Lancang-Mekong Cooperation

The Chinese Embassy on Friday announced the winners of a contest that asked young Cambodians to create videos touting the benefits of the China-backed Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC).

The competition was organised by the embassy in collaboration with the China-Cambodia Friendship Radio.

Participants created one-minute videos explaining how they believe the China-led mechanism helps member countries.

Four teams, totalling 15 participants, received awards, which included round plane trips to China, cameras, and smartphones.

Yoeur Chantha, a member of one of the winning teams, said LMC has brought many benefits to countries along the Mekong River in terms of economic growth, diplomatic ties, and cultural exchanges.

“As far as I know, the cooperation has significantly contributed to improving people’s livelihoods in the region, not just in Cambodia, through various development projects funded by the Chinese government,” he said.

Zharon Sokry, from another team, said cooperation within LMC has strengthened trade ties within the six countries involved, namely China, Cambodia, Lao, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation is a sub-regional cooperation mechanism connecting the six countries along the Mekong river, which is known as Lancang in China.

The LMC was formed in March 2016, with China acting as an investor and guarantor for projects in everything from agriculture to tourism as part of its wider Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

In February this year, the Chinese government provided more than $7.5 million to Cambodia through the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund 2018 in a bid to boost economic growth.

The money will be used to implement 19 projects in a variety of areas, including education, health, and tourism.

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