The 1st Special Meeting of JWG on Water Resources of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation in 2019 was held in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China from 4thto 5th June 2019. Delegations of the six LMC member countries and representatives from Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Center participated in the meeting.

The Meeting was chaired by Dr. Yu Xingjun, head of Chinese delegation, Consul (DG level), Department of International Cooperation, Science and Technology, Ministry of Water Resources. Cambodia delegation was headed by Mr. Klok Sam Ang, Director, Department of Planning and International Cooperation, Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology. Lao PDR delegation was headed by Mr. Chanthanet Boualapha, Secretary General of Lao National Mekong Committee Secretariat, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Myanmar delegation was headed by Mr. Win Hlaing, Acting Director General, Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems, Ministry of Transport and Communications. Thailand delegation was headed by Dr. Somkiat Prajamwong, Secretary General, Office of the National Water Resources. Viet Nam delegation was headed by Dr. Le Duc Trung, Director General, Viet Nam National Mekong Committee, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

The Meeting was held in an open, friendly and constructive manner. The outcomes of the meeting were recorded as follows.

1. Remarks by the heads of delegations

Heads of delegations reiterated the objectives and principles of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation in their opening remarks. They were very pleased to observe the productive results of the 3rd JWG meeting held in Can Tho, Viet Nam on 1-2 April, 2019 and assured that the six member countries will work together in a close manner to maintain the momentum gained ever since that meeting for the benefit of further development of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation.

Heads of delegations expressed their appreciation for the efforts of LMWRCC and Yunnan University in the preparation of this special meeting.

2. Discussion on Co-lead program of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation

Based on the prior preparation and breakout discussion at the Workshop on Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Co-lead Program, lead countries gave presentation on the co-lead program of each cooperation area, followed by discussion.

China called on the interest of other member countries in co-leading the cooperation area 3: water sector production capacity cooperation which China leads. Thailand delegation agreed to be the co-lead country for cooperation area 3. This was supported by all other member countries.

It was agreed that each member country will send the new proposal(s) to the leading country within 3 weeks and copy to the Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Center for consolidation.

3. Screening of new proposals for LMC funding

Chinese delegation briefed the meeting about the applications received from Mekong countries for this year’s LMC Special Fund, and shared guidelines on the management of the LMC Special Fund.

Then, each delegation introduced proposals for LMC Special Fund in 2019, followed by Q&A. Project proposing countries were advised to follow the guidelines of LMC Special Fund for future preparation of proposals.

4. Discussion on the Round-table Ministerial Meeting on Water Resources Cooperation

The meeting discussed the updated concept paper prepared by the Chinese delegation. It was agreed that JWGs of the six member countries will keep in close contact to improve the concept paper and finalize the details to make sure this Round-table Ministerial Meeting will be successful so as to enhance Lancang-Mekong water resources cooperation.

5. Signing of MOU on the Provision of Hydrological Information of the Lancang River in Flood Season Under the Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Mechanism

The MOU on the Provision of Hydrological Information of the Lancang River in Flood Season by China to the Other Five Member Countries was signed on 5th June, 2019. Delegations of the Mekong countries expressed their appreciation for this initiative of China. The provision of hydrological information on flood season in 2019 will be officially started from 1st July 2019.

Delegations again expressed their appreciation for the kind arrangement and hospitality of the Chinese delegation and Yunnan University.

The minutes were recorded in English in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China on 5th June 2019, in six copies.