University of Yangon Research Journal 2022, Vol. 11, No.

The Post-Pandemic Recovery of Mekong Countries under the Mekong-

Lancang Cooperation (MLC): Challenges and Priorities
Khin Ma Ma Myo
Abstract
Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) is the most significant sub-regional organization for
sustainable socio-economic progress of the six countries in the Mekong region. MLC became an
efficient regional cooperation mechanism within five years. During the COVID-19 pandemic all
MLC countries were confronted with the impacts of the pandemic including severe social and
economic challenges. MLC countries recognized the need to cooperate for a smooth and speedy
recovery . It is interesting to find out the challenges of MLC countries achieving a sustainable
recovery in the post-pandemic era under the framework of Mekong Lancang Cooperation
(MLC). With this question in mind, the objectives of the paper are to evaluate challenges of the
recovery in MLC countries and to explore priority areas of cooperation under the MLC
mechanism. The findings pointed out that ML countries have five major challenges from the
pandemic. Priority areas are agriculture, healthcare, tourism, trade, manufacturing industry,
poverty reduction and MSMEs, which are needed to be solved with concrete plans and
resources for achieving the speedy recovery.
Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, development, Mekong countries, post-pandemic recovery,
MLC
Introduction
Mekong -Lancang Cooperation (MLC) is one of the most dynamic sub-regional
mechanisms in the Mekong region. It aimed to enhance cooperation for socio-economic
progress and development strategies of among countries in the Mekong region. The six
countries in the Mekong region are Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam
and they established the MLC in March 2016. They are called MLC countries and are working
actively for the achievement of sustainable development by collective strength under the
Mekong Lancang Cooperation framework. MLC broadens its activities from a period of rapid
expansion to a period of all round development within five years. Since 2020, the C O V I D -
1 9 pandemic has caused major economic, political, and social impacts worldwide. These
impacts threaten the welfare of people and the national economy has been slowed down. Like most
countries in the world, MLC countries have been confronted with the impacts of the COVID-
19 pandemic including economic recession, unemployment and various socio-economic
problems.
The challenges of the pandemic undermined not only the development of individual
countries but also the momentum of cooperation in the Mekong-Lancang sub-region. It is
important to forge the community to have more resilience with a concrete recovery plan.
Besides, leaders of MLC called for the need for the MLC countries to work closely in order to
rebuild a better region in the post-COVID period.
It is interesting to find out the challenges of MLC countries to achieving a sustainable
recovery in the post-pandemic era under the framework of MLC. With this question in mind,
the objectives of the paper are to evaluate the challenges of the recovery in MLC countries and
to explore priority areas of cooperation under the MLC. It is composed of four parts. The first
part evaluates the impacts of COVID-19 in the MLC countries . Challenges for the recovery
are analyzed in the second part. The MLC’s coordination and plans for the post-pandemic
recovery are assessed in the third part. The fourth part highlights recommendations for MLC
coordination.


Dr., Professor, Department of International Relations and Political Science , University of Yangon
34 University of Yangon Research Journal 2022, Vol. 11, No.2

Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mekong Countries

The COVID-19 pandemic has had short-term and long-term impacts on global
healthcare, the economy, society and sustainable development in every region and country.
The United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (2020) forecasted a negative
world GDP growth of 3.2 percent in 2020. Global output was expected to contract in 2020, and
recovery in 2022 is uncertain amid a series of waves of the pandemic. Like all countries in the
world, MLC countries have been confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic since January
2020.The pandemic continued for long enough to cause grave implications for the welfare of
people and national development. Table (1) shows total confirmed cases and deaths in MLC
countries up to August 23, 2022.
Table (1) Total Confirmed Cases and Deaths in MLC Countries
(From January 3, 2020 to August 23, 2022)
Country Total Confirmed Cases Total Deaths
Cambodia 137,448 3056
China 6,163,563 24,499
Laos 213,264 757
Myanmar 614,696 19,437
Thailand 4,637,199 32,081
Vietnam 11,386,016 43,106
Source:World Health Organization,August 23,2022 https://covid19.who.int/region/wpro/
country
In order to contain the spread of the epidemic, Mekong countries have imposed anti-
pandemic measures including restricting movements, social distancing rules, contact tracing
and testing, as well as aggressive public awareness campaigns. These measures have been
carefully tightened or loosened depending on public health risk assessment and plans to tackle
their economic condition. The COVID-19 pandemic caused socio-economic impacts although
the scale of impacts varied slightly among countries.
Cambodia has experienced the impacts of the pandemic when the country was under
restriction of lock-down, social distancing and the closure of schools and offices in January
2020. Within a year, Cambodia’s economy has contracted 3.1 percent. The rising
unemployment rate became 3.2 to 4.4 percent in 2020 comparing from 0.7 percent in 2019.1
The economic slowdown affected falling wages, job suspensions, and layoffs. The poverty rate
became higher in 2020, at 17.6 percent . 2 Key sectors including agriculture, textile, tourism,
and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have been affected seriously by the
pandemic.
Lao PDR has a contraction of the economy of 0.5% in 2020. The Lao Kip (LAK) is
expected to deteriorate further in 2021 to 9,750 LAK to the dollar due to the rising fiscal
deficit, declining exports, and falling FDI inflows. Supply chain disruption and limited global

1
“UNDP Launches 2021 COVID-19 Economic and Social Impact Assessment in Cambodia “, UNDP, 29
September 2021, https://www.kh.undp.org/content/cambodia/en/.
2
UNDP, COVID-19 economic and Social Impact Assessment in Cambodia, (Phnom Penh: UNDP,2020),
https://www.kh.undp.org/content/cambodia/en/home/library/covid-19-economic-and-social-impact-assessment-in-
cambodia.html
University of Yangon Research Journal 2022, Vol. 11, No.2 35

demand seemed to cause a decline in the export-oriented sector.1 The disruption in the
economy led 361,000 people to fall back into poverty, a rising approximately 5.2 percent of the
national poverty rate. Agriculture, tourism, SEZ and MSMEs are the most affected sectors.
More than 60 percent of enterprises in Laos are MSMEs in the informal economy and they did
not have access to the stimulus plans. 2 The workers most affected were cross-border migrants
and those in the informal sector.3
Likewise, Myanmar’s waves of COVID-19 imposed impacts on its economy. The
World Bank estimated an 18 percent contraction of Myanmar economy. In July 2021, Kyat
depreciated around 23 percent against the US dollar.4 Some business firms were closed and
most of them were from small and medium sized business.5 The UN forecasted 23.5 percent
increase in extreme poverty in the country in 2020. Myanmar’s economy has been hit by
reduced income, rising prices,low remittance, unemployment,difficulties in logistics and
limited exports and investment. 6
The Bank of Thailand’s forecast suggested the largest contraction with 8.1 percent in
the Thai economy in 2020. GDP was declining by 4.3 percent while exports contracted in May
2020 with 23 percent. Indeed, the poverty rate was likely to increase to 9 percent nationally.
The Royal Thai Government reacted promptly and was one of the first countries to announce
financial measures to mitigate the impact on businesses and households due to the lockdown.
Employment became fell by 8 percentage points in urban areas and the capital city. The
manufacturing, tourism, service and industry sectors were considerably hit by the pandemic. 7
Vietnam’s economy did not contract much in early 2020 due to effective pandemic
control, emergency response policy and a smooth trend of exports. However, the pandemic
severely continued in 2021 and its economy has been suffered through various sectors. The
manufacturing sector was affected by disruption to supply chains and weak global demand.
The tourism industry, which accounted for roughly 10 per cent of the GDP in 2019, was
seriously hit. Agriculture, tourism and hospitality and the service sectors suffered most by
labour shortages and supply chain and logistic issues. Moreover, 80 percent of MSMEs were
suffered substantial loss of income. The GDP for the first six months of 2020 grew by only
1.81 percent compared to 6.77 percent in the same period in 2019. Its inflation increased by
2.81 percent which caused higher prices of food and foodstuffs. 8
MLC countries have strived to control the outbreak and mortality rate, while severe
economic and social consequences are apparent. Meanwhile, the burden of COVID-19 has
fallen most heavily on vulnerable groups of people including the poor, ethnic minorities, the
elderly, children, migrants, and disabled people. They have experienced economic contraction,

1
World Bank, Monitoring COVID-19 Impacts on Households in Lao PDR (Phone
Survey Round 2), (Washington, DC: World Bank,2021).
2
UNDP, Socio-economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Lao PDR, (Vientiane: UN, December 2020), 47-51.
3
Oxfam, Covid-19 Impact Assessment: Socio-Economic Impacts on Returnee Migrant Workers in Lao PDR,
(Vientiane: Oxfam, January 2021), https://laos.oxfam.org/latest/policy-paper/covid-19-I
4
“Press release :Myanmar Economy Expected to contract by 18 Percent in FY2021”, World Bank, 23 July, 2021,
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2021/07/23/myanmar-economy-expected-to-contract-by-18-
percent-in-fy2021-report
5
Asian Foundation, COVID-10 Impact on Business: Second Survey, (Yangon: Asia Foundation, 2020), 4.
6
UN, A UN Framework for the Immediate Socio-economic Response in COVID-19 in Myanmar, (Yangon: UN,
June 2020), 21.
7
UN, Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of COVID-19 in Thailand, (Bangkok: UN, October 2020), 8-17.
5
UN, UN Assessment on economic Impacts of COVID-19 and Strategic Policy Recommendation for Vietnam,
(Hanoi: UN, August 2020), 28-31.
36 University of Yangon Research Journal 2022, Vol. 11, No.2

low GDP growth, rising poverty ,unemployment, food security, growing consumer prices and
social issues.
Challenges of MLC Countries for the post-Pandemic Recovery
The socio-economic impacts of the pandemic have become a serious challenges for all
people in MLC countries. The short-term economic impacts brought about increased levels of
poverty, food security, unemployment and income loss. Besides, long-term implications are
likely to hamper national development, industrial advancement and prospects for achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The pandemic is affecting the poorest and most
vulnerable the hardest. Rising price of food and food stuff worsened vulnerable people.
Moreover, primary healthcare, social safety net, and social welfare became weak with
shortages in resources and funding. National goals of SDGs and poverty reduction plans have
been almost stalled. Inclusive and rapid recovery is vital for all MLC countries and their long-
term progress. The challenges of the pandemic create more burdens for all governments, which
already have existing issues.
Among various impacts from the pandemic in the sub-region, the first major challenge
for the recovery is to revive the economy by promoting trade, and investment and improving
the financial sector. Policies are needed to adjust appropriately to the severe economic impacts
of the pandemic. The second challenge is to revive key sectors for economic stability and all-
round development. It is important to improve especially manufacturing, agriculture, trade,
textile, transportation, tourism, industry and the service sector. Textiles, tourism,
manufacturing and agriculture are usually key sectors for all countries. Specific policies
should be focused on realize the immediate revival of these sectors which also promote
employment opportunities and income. The third major challenge is the need to support the
facilities and infrastructure of the healthcare system. Governments inevitably prioritize health
spending amid a widening budget deficit and debt level. To prevent another outbreak, it is
essential all countries to upgrade universal health service coverage, laboratories, equipment,
skill training, and public health information systems.
Another challenge is to alleviate poverty. Poverty is a key issue for national
development and the realization of SDGs targets. To reduce the poverty rate, governments
need to improve the job market, social protection system, and welfare of vulnerable groups.
The pandemic severely affected poor and vulnerable groups by disrupting income sources,
rising food and medical expenses, and limiting access to financial assistance. By solving these
issues, prospects for achieving SDGs and all-round development of the sub-region are likely to
be realized smoothly. The fifth challenge is to support MSMEs and informal businesses.
MSMEs in the garment, manufacturing, tourism, and service industries are indispensable for
economic growth and recovery in the post-pandemic era. They are the majority of business
firms in all Mekong countries and the pandemic imposed a severe impact on them. Most firms
have experienced a reduction in demand, disruption of supply, labour issue and financial
concerns.
The governments of MLC countries have implemented economic stimulus packages,
relief programmes for businesses and vulnerable groups, tax incentives and social welfare
plans. However, their efforts alone could not settle all issues due to the deep scope and limited
resources of the pandemic. They urgently need to solve major challenges as priority areas for
the post-pandemic recovery. The analysis on challenges pointed out that key priority areas for
MLC countries for the post-Pandemic recovery are agriculture, healthcare, tourism, trade,
manufacturing industry, poverty reduction and MSMEs.
University of Yangon Research Journal 2022, Vol. 11, No.2 37

The post-Covid-19 economic recovery for MLC countries needs to improve these
priority areas seriously. Outcomes would depend on the effectiveness of their national
economic adjustment as well as on the level of regional integration. Solutions to these
challenges need to be multifaceted, and well-coordinated.1 The pandemic is not only a serious
health crisis but also an unprecedented threat to the welfare of citizens beyond domestic
sources and the government’s efforts. Various scholars and reports highlighted that inter-
governmental coordination in the region is essential for tackling a sustainable and smooth
recovery.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about negative challenges but could have potential
for MLC. The prospect of a greater role for regional cooperation is possible. Various scholars
and reports highlighted that inter-governmental coordination in the region is essential for
tackling various challenges. Challenges are so deep and extensive that closer interactions under
regional cooperation could be an instrument for the post-pandemic recovery. Consequently, the
awareness of the Mekong-Lancang community is likely to increase due to the role of MLC in
the recovery.2
Coordination and Plans for the Post-Pandemic Recovery under the MLC
The post-pandemic recovery needs domestic coordination and regional cooperation to
address regional and domestic socio-economic challenges. All countries in the MLC are able to
work within its scope for the recovery since the MLC mechanism constitutes an essential part
of the overall solution. There are some reasons why MLC can coordinate with the post-
pandemic recovery.
Firstly, the MLC has outlined mechanisms that strengthen dialogue and coordination.
MLC countries can work and cooperate easily to prepare for the recovery plan. Secondly, it
prioritizes actual development needs of the country concerned, and implement socio-economic
plans, complementing to national development goals.3 The outcomes in the past proved that
MLC is the most promising regional institution to realize interactions for the resilient and
inclusive recovery. 4
Thirdly, the framework of MLC is extended to priority areas as the 3+5 +X framework
in 2018. Its five priority areas are connectivity, production capacity, cross-border economic
cooperation, water resources, agriculture and poverty reduction. Besides, more fields could be
explored based on the needs and circumstances of MLC countries. 5
Fourthly, MLC has implemented a unique project-based mechanism. It is
complementary to the development strategies of the respective members and other regional and
sub-regional arrangements. Under the Special Fund and other arrangement under MLC,
projects are proposed and implemented by MLC countries. During four years, the MLC
Special Fund has supported more than 540 projects in member countries including agriculture,

1
Dr. Vannarith Chheang, “The Mekong Region in the Wake of COVID-19: Challenges and Prospects”, Asian
Society, Policy Institute, 21 December 2020. https://asiasociety.org/policy-institute/mekong-region-wake-covid-
19-challenges-and-prospects
2
“ASEAN social entrepreneurship: path to resilient post-COVID-19 recovery”, ASEAN, October 14, 2021,
https://asean.org/asean-social-entrepreneurship-path-to-resilient-post-covid-19-recovery/.
3
Mekong Lancang Cooperation National Coordination Unit (Myanmar), Mekong-Lancang Cooperation, (Nay Pyi
Taw: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2020), 10.
4
“Progress of Report of the Year 2018 on Implementing the Five-Year Plan of Action on MLC (2018-2022)”,
MLC, 2019
5
MLC National Coordination Unit (Myanmar), Mekong-Lancang Cooperation, 10.
38 University of Yangon Research Journal 2022, Vol. 11, No.2

poverty alleviation, women, education, youth, environment, tourism, health, and transportation
sectors.1
MLC and its leaders have discussed applicable plans for the post-Pandemic recovery
under the changing circumstances of the pandemic through meetings and summits since early
2020. At the Fifth MLC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Laos on February 20, 2020, Chinese
State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the positive results of MLC paved
the way to engage in a period of all-round development and needed to enhance cooperation in
seven aspects. These aspects included combating the pandemic, agricultural cooperation, the
ML Economic Development Belt (MLEDB), and exchanges with other mechanisms.2
At the sixth MLC Foreign Ministers' Meeting in June 2021, Chinese Foreign Minister
Wang Yi proposed future areas of cooperation for the MLC, including strengthening
cooperation in fighting against the pandemic, promoting recovery after the COVID-19
pandemic, working on water resources, advancing local pragmatic cooperation, pushing
forward amity between the people, and improving cooperation mechanisms.3
Moreover, leaders at the 3rd MLC Summit in 2020 showed their commitment to address
the impacts brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and to promote the post-pandemic socio-
economic recovery. They emphasized the realization of the MLEDB as a new source of growth
in the economic downturn of the pandemic.4 Certainly, the MLEDB initiation is likely to
stimulate trade, logistics, connectivity, and development plans for MLC countries in the post-
pandemic era.
Furthermore, the sectoral working groups have discussed the promotion of the sector
concerned. As an example, the Mekong Lancang Investment seminar was held in September
2021 virtually to set prioritized investment sectors in the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
and post- COVID-19. Meanwhile, the MLC has stressed the need to enhance exchanges with
other mechanisms at the Fifth Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in 2020. It aims to coordinate
actively with ASEAN, ACMECs, GMS and other regional organizations for the
implementation of priority areas for the post-pandemic recovery. The coordination of MLC in
the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) would be crucial. Five strategies
and areas of ACRF are beneficial for the post-pandemic recovery of MLC.5 Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) seems to contribute to MLC countries for both
trade and services. Its key elements would be essential for the recovery. 6
Positive achievements of the MLC mechanism in the past five years highlighted that its
commitments and coordination were truly effective for all participating countries. MLC would
facilitate a promising approach for post-pandemic recovery. In addition, its existing priority
areas are similar to those of MLC countries, which are manufacturing industry, agriculture,

1
“Remarks by Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar H.E. Mr. Chen Hai at the signing ceremony of the Agreement of
Cooperation on Projects of the 2021 LMC Special fund”, Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, 10 August 2021,
http://mm.china-embassy.org/eng/sgxw/202108/t20210810_8906444.ht
2
“Wang Yi Elaborates on Priorities for Future Lancang-Mekong Cooperation”, MOFA China, February21, 2020,
http://www.fmprc.gov.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/t1748369.shtml
3
“Lancang-Mekong Cooperation foreign ministers discuss COVID-19 recovery”, Xinhua, June 9,2021,
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-06/09/c_139996983.htm
4
“Interview: 3rd LMC summit shows leaders' commitment to address impacts caused by COVID-19: Cambodian
official”, August 24, 2021, Xinhua, http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-08/24/c_139313756.htm
5
ASEAN, Implementation Plan: ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, (Jakarta: ASEAN, 2020),5-24,
https://asean.org/book/asean-comprehensive-recovery-framework-implementation-plan/
6
Shandre Mugan Thangavelu, Shujiro Urata, and Dionisius A. Narjoko, “Policy Brief: Impacts of RCEP on
ASEAN and ASEAN LDCs in the Post-pandemic Recovery”, ERIA, July 2021,
https://seads.adb.org/report/impacts-rcep-asean-and-asean-least-developed-countries-post-pandemic-recovery.
University of Yangon Research Journal 2022, Vol. 11, No.2 39

healthcare, tourism, trade, poverty reduction, MSMEs, and transportation, for a speedy
recovery.
Recommendations
With objectives for the sustainable post-pandemic recovery and speedy progress in
priority areas, six recommendations are highlighted for the cooperation of member countries
under the MLC framework. Recommendtaions are as follows:
Reviewing national policies and enhancing policy consultations: All MLC countries need to
review their economic and financial policies in line with economic bottlenecks resulting from
the pandemic and priority sectors. Regular policy dialogue among members can be organized
with working groups, think tank forums and policy-makers under the coordination of the MLC.
Assessing existing projects and implementing development projects in priority areas:
MLC countries are carrying out projects under MLC and regional mechanisms. Their priority
areas are nearly the same and they are able to take lessons from the previous projects. Then
they can discuss the pros and cons of existing projects, new project proposals, feasible types of
projects and cost-effective implementation of development projects in priority areas.
Strengthening cooperation and sharing information for public healthcare: The healthcare
sector has become a priority for all countries to prevent another outbreak and to upgrade weak
healthcare services. MLC should organize dialogue on public health policy and support each
other for skill training, and information sharing .
Energetic cooperation for production capacity, tourism, trade, Investment and MSMEs
policy: Extensive cooperation for production capacity of agro-based industry, and garment can
be done between member countries while they can consult each other for policies and
campaign for tourism and service industry. Moreover, trade and investment policies and
feasible participation in other mechanisms and regional free trade areas can be discussed
among them. Besides, MSMEs are the majority of business firms in all MLC countries and
needed support for their survival .
Enhancing digitalization and the green economy :The pandemic contributed to emerging
digital platforms for marketing and business. Recovery could be a potential chance for
digitalization of the economies of MLC countries.
Promoting Public-Private Partnership (PPP): PPP is essential for all MLC countries not
only for economic progress but also for community. Their role plays a significant role for
employment, corporate social responsibilities and even health emergency. Joint efforts between
the government and private sector should be promoted in the MLC. PPP, which includes
CSOs, conglomerates, the business community, and the community, is definitely an instrument
for the robust recovery.
Conclusion
Like all countries in the world, MLC countries have been combating the pandemic
while facing its severe impacts. Their national development objectives and SDGs were
undermined by these impacts which became major challenges for economic progress and the
welfare of their people. Their economies have been contracting which has led to economic
disruption, unemployment, poverty, and social issues. The analysis pointed out that MLC
countries have five major challenges from the pandemic. The five challenges are to revive the
economy by promoting trade, and investment and improving the financial sector, boosting key
sectors, healthcare, poverty reduction and supporting MSMEs.
40 University of Yangon Research Journal 2022, Vol. 11, No.2

It is very important for these countries to realize sustainable and speedy post-pandemic
recovery. Inclusive and sustainable recovery is essential to maximize the all-round
development of MLC countries. If they had faced these challenges for a long time, they would
have a gravely long and painful recovery. Priority areas are needed to be solved with concrete
plans and resources for achieving a fruitful recovery. They are agriculture, healthcare, tourism,
trade, manufacturing industry, poverty reduction and MSMEs. The scope of priority areas is so
broad that the national government alone is not able to achieve them in time. All member
countries can join hands under regional cooperation especially under MLC. With experience
and positive outcomes, MLC has an excellent framework and priorities to effectively carry out
priority areas of the post-pandemic recovery. By taking recommendations and tackling
challenges jointly, countries in the MLC mechanism are able to achieve beneficial outcomes
towards an inclusive and sustainable post-pandemic recovery which can rebuild a “stronger,
smarter and greener economy”. Then, a community share future of peace and prosperity would
be realized among MLC countries.
Acknowledgement
I would like to extend my special thanks to Professor Dr. Thidar Aung, Head of International Relations
Department, University of Yangon for her encouragement . I also like to express my appreciation to the Myanmar
Institute of Strategic and International Studies (MISIS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its valuable support and
providing sources.
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