1. The 3rd Meeting of JWG on Water Resources of Mekong-Lancang Cooperation was held in Can Tho, Viet Nam on 2-3 April 2019. The Meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Le Duc Trung, Director General, Viet Nam National Mekong Committee, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Viet Nam and Dr. Yu Xingjun, Consul (Director General Level), Department of International Cooperation, Science and Technology, Ministry of Water Resources, China. Participating Head of delegation from Member Countries are Mr. Khlok Sam Ang, Director of Department of Planning and International Cooperation, Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, Cambodia; Mr. Chanthanet Boualapha, Secretary General of Lao National Mekong Committee Secretariat, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Lao PDR; Mr. Kareng La Ja, Deputy Director General of Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Myanmar. Thailand could not attend due to internal affairs. The Meeting has been convened in the spirit of cordial friendship. 

2. Progress report of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Center 

The Meeting commended China for their comprehensive report on the MLC Water Resources Cooperation Center’s achievements since the 2nd JWG Meeting in technical exchanges, capacity building, drought and flood management, data and information sharing among the MLC countries in the field of water resources management. China expressed the need for Member Countries to support the center in term of finance and expertise in the future to build its capacity.  

3. Progress report of Five-Year Plan of Action on Mekong-Lancang Water Resources Cooperation-select leading one of the priority cooperation areas

The Meeting decided on leading countries for each of the areas of cooperation outlined in the Five-year Plan of Action, according to which Myanmar will lead Area 5.1 on Water resources and green development, Thailand will lead Area 5.2 on IWRM and climate change adaptation (to be confirmed by Thailand), China will lead Area 5.3 on Water sector production capacity cooperation, Cambodia will lead Area 5.4 on Rural areas, water conservancy and livelihood improvement, Lao PDR will lead Area 5.5 on Sustainable hydropower development and energy security, Viet Nam will lead Area 5.6 on Transboundary river cooperation and information sharing. The Meeting also decided that China will act as co-leading country for all areas of cooperation.

China proposed to hold a special meeting of JWG in China from June 3rd to 4th 2019 to discuss important issues of mutual concern.

4. Initiatives for new MLC funded projects

The Meeting took note of the new MLC funded projects proposed by China and Viet Nam. The Meeting agreed on the project proposals on dam safety management and rural water supply as priorities for the 2019 Plan. Cambodia expressed interest in projects on capacity building and informed that Cambodia has 4 proposals submitted for approval. Lao PDR has 14 proposals which will be consulted with line Ministries and will officially send them before May. The Meeting agreed on China’s proposal for the JWG to screen project proposals applying for special fund.

5. Initiative for a Round-table Ministerial Meeting on Water Resources Cooperation 

The Meeting supported the initiative and suggested China to consult with Member Countries on the necessary arrangements before May.

6. Proposal on establishing a water information sharing mechanism under MLC 

The Meeting supported China’s proposal on establishing a water information sharing mechanism upon request from Member Countries. The Member Countries were requested to send to China, as soon as possible, names and contacting address of implementing agencies to prepare for MOU signing in June 2019.

7. Support to Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Center 

The Meeting appreciated the Center’s assistance and agreed with the Center’s request for support such as providing a list of relevant experts and agencies for the establishment of a network of experts and partners, sending experts, preparing Outlook on MLC Water Resources Cooperation and would implement as soon as possible.

8. Other matters 

The Meeting considered the Mekong River Commission Secretariat’s request and granted them the status of observer to Annual Meetings of MLC JWG. 

9. Next Meeting 

The 4th Meeting of JWG will be hosted by Cambodia and the venue and date will be informed to other Member Countries later.

Delegates expressed their appreciation for the kind arrangement and hospitality of Viet Nam as host country of the Meeting.

The Minutes was recorded in English in Can Tho City on 2 April 2019, in six copies.