The Connectivity for Regional Development

The Chiang Rai-Kunming via Water Supply Construction Lao PDR Road Improvement Project for Five Districts in Lao Project (Route No.3) PDR Financial Assistance 17 Projects Total 11,784 Mil. Baht Technical Assistance 10 Projects Ban Huag (Phayao)-Muang Total 147 Mil. Baht Khob-Muang Xiang Hone and The Rehabilitation of Route Muang Khob-Ban Pakkhob-Ban No.3 (Houay Xay-Ban Sod Koneteun Road Improvement Section) Project

Railway Construction from Houi Kon-Pak Beng Road Friendship Bridge to Ban Development Project Financial Assistance 2 Projects Tanaleng Total 150 Mil. Baht Technical Assistance 2 Projects Total 38 Mil. Baht Hongsa District-Ban Chiang Railway Construction Project Man (Chomphet District, Luang Phase ll from Ban Tanaleng to Prabang Province) Road Construction Project

Poodoo-Paklay Road Wattay International Airport Construction Project Improvement Project Financial Assistance 2 Projects Total 2,168 Mil. Baht Technical Assistance 2 Projects Total 32 Mil. Baht

The Improvement of the Road The Improvement of Drainage Linkage - Channel Phase ll (Nongduang Project (Mae Sod-) Noy) Project

National Road No.11 (NR 11) Road Improvement Project (Ban Airport Improvement tad Thong-Nam Sang Bridge Phase ll Financial Assistance 1 Project and to Sang Thong District) Total 123 Mil. Baht Technical Assistance 2 Projects Total 27 Mil. Baht

Construction of Wattay Koh Kong-Sre Ambel Road National Road No.67 Drainage System Improvement Improvement Project (Routh Construction Project (Anlong Pakse Airport Improvement Project No.48) Veng-) Project

The Construction of Drainage The Construction of Urban Road System and T2 Road Improvement Project in Improvement Project in Preparation for Hosting of the Vientiane Capital City 9th ASEM Summit in 2012

EDITORIAL

1 Mr. Newin Sinsiri 8 Ms. Chanita Kehatat President of NEDA Project Analyst 2 Mrs. Munchula Siricharoen 9 Ms. Benyapha Thanasakdhiwat Director of Administration Bureau Project Analyst 3 Ms. Wipa Sisod 10 Ms. Moticha Rukwijidkul Senior Treasury Analyst Project Analyst 4 Ms. Watchawee Pomnara 11 Ms. Watcharee Khampul Accountants Senior Public Relations Officer 5 Ms. Chakriya Kathaleephan 12 Ms. Pennapa Ocharos Policy Planning Analyst Administration Officer

6 Mr. Pattanakit Ratmanibodidet Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency Policy Planning Analyst (Public Organization) : NEDA Suntowers Bldg. A 14th Fl., 123 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Rd., Chatuchak, 10900 7 Ms. Pimchanok Jawrakate Tel. (662) 617 7676 Project Analyst Fax. (662) 617 7683

2 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW NEDA’s role in Supporting the Implementation of Initiatives under the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Program (GMS)

Greater Mekong Subregion countries have attracted along the border of countries and along the economic the attention of the major powers and countries around corridors can stimulate the economic growth in the region the world as they consist of ​​6 Mainland Southeast and increases the volume of trade and investment. For Asian countries including Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, there are 5 pilot areas that are designated for Myanmar, Vietnam and Southern part of The People’s the Special Economic Zone: (1) , (2) , Republic of China, with total population of 240 (3) Sa Kaeo, (4) Trad and (5) Songkhla. The development million people and combined GDP of about 664 billion of deep sea port and Dawei Special Economic Zone US Dollars. GMS can also be linked to major markets between Thailand and Myanmar will help connect to in Asia which are China and India. The GMS Summit, supply chain in Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard and in held every three years, is the venue where participating Cambodia along the GMS Southern Economic Corridor countries show their determination to cooperate in (SEC). sustainable economic and social development. At the 5th GMS Summit held during 19-20 December 2014 in The role of Neighboring Countries Economic Bangkok, which Thailand was the host, the Leaders of Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) the 6 countries agreed on a Joint Summit Declaration (NEDA) is to support the implementation of GMS RIF-IP, (JSD) which focusing on of the development of regional particularly in development of transportation network infrastructures connectivity both hard infrastructure and linkages, transportation routes and key border soft infrastructure (such as the Cross-Border Transport areas which will support the integration of ASEAN Agreement (CBTA)), transforming of Transport Corridors Community. NEDA has been cooperating with GMS into Economic Corridors, as well as cooperating in the neighboring countries which are Cambodia, Lao PDR, implementation of the Regional Investment Framework Myanmar and Vietnam by providing financial and Implementation Plan (RIF-IP) to achieve the concrete technical assistance. NEDA’s core projects that help outcomes. enhance the transport connectivity included the Chiang Rai -Kunming Road Construction in Lao PDR (R3) which is According to the RIF-IP, GMS countries have given the route along the North-South Economic Corridor of the priority to the development of transportation network, GMS connecting Thailand to Southern China via Lao PDR which the investment volume accounted for 89% of the (Chiang Khong-Huay Sai-Luang Namtha-Boten-Kunming). total investment. For Thailand, the priority was given This R3 route promotes trade, investment and tourism on the development of land and sea transportation in the region. Another example is the improvement of 8 Ms. Chanita Kehatat network, particularly for Thailand-China joint-development the Road Linkage between Thailand-Myanmar Project Analyst of the international railway in 2 routes: (1) - (Mae Sod-Myawaddy) which is the road along EWEC 9 Ms. Benyapha Thanasakdhiwat KaengKhoi-Bangkok route and (2) KaengKhoi-Map linking , Myanmar to Da Nang, Vietnam. In Project Analyst Ta Phut route. For the development of road transportation, extending financial and technical assistance, NEDA will the highway construction projects of Bang Yai- take into consideration the agreements at the 5th GMS 10 Ms. Moticha Rukwijidkul Project Analyst Kanchanaburi is the priority as it can be linked to Dawei Summit in order to effectively support transportation Special Economic Zone. network linkages in the region. As the development 11 Ms. Watcharee Khampul partner in the subregion, NEDA’s role is to improve quality Senior Public Relations Officer GMS countries are aware of the benefits of the of lives in neighboring countries, to help them be ready 12 Ms. Pennapa Ocharos Economic Corridors linkage such as the East-West for the ASEAN Community, and to support sustainable Administration Officer Economic Corridor (EWEC). The Special Economic Zone economic and social development throughout the region.

3 CHALLENGING ANSWER! LET’S GUESS.. “What is the name of the Capital of these 8 countries?”

Bhutan

Lao PDR

Vietnam

Myanmar Thailand

Cambodia Sri Lanka

Prizes: NEDA’s 10th Anniversary Exclusive Pen Timor-Leste for the first 20 persons who answered correctly. * Send your answer with your name-last name / phone number / address for the delivery of the prize, to e-mail: [email protected]

NEIGHBORS CORNER The country which has rich tourism resources that are attractively charming now, would inevitably be Myanmar. After opening the country to the world, the Visiting BAGAN country is full of tourists from everywhere. Myanmar got various diverse tourist attractions such as Shwedagon Pagoda in the former capital, Yangon; the old palace KINGDOM, in Mandalay city; or Bagan Pagodas field. enjoy a fantastic view of Four Today we would like to introduce Bagan, the “City of Four Thousand Pagodas”. Thousand Pagodas field. Bagan is the capital city of Myanmar established by King Anawrahta in the 9th century and situated on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy. During Bagan era, all the kings were devoted to Buddhism and they believed that building pagodas will bring wealth and goodwill to them. In those days, it was believed that there were over 10,000 pagodas. Myanmar has developed tourism industries to cope with the increase tourists from all over the world. There are activities in Bagan such as cycling, horse cart-riding, or balloon tour which will allow tourists to see the landscape of pagoda field from the ground and from the sky. The highlight will be during sun rise and sun set. As river is the heart of agriculture in the country, cruising the Ayeyarwaddy would be a fantastic way to spend the time in Bagan. Moreover, you can enjoy the Dandaree which is the very beautiful performance. Important landmark in Bagan include Shwezigon Pagoda, Htilominlo Pahto, and Ananda Phaya. 4 SPECIAL ARTICLES HONGSA- CHIANG MAN ROAD PROJECT

Project of road construction from Hongsa city-Ban Chiang Thailand and Lao PDR through Huay Kon border Man (Chom Phet city, Luang Prabang Sub-district) in Lao crossing in Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Nan Province, PDR (approximately 114 kilometers), is the project that to Luang Prabang which is a tourist destination which NEDA had provided technical have been registered as the world heritage. In addition, assistance to carry out this project will help promote the twin cities strategy feasibility study and preliminary design, and between Nan Province and Luang Prabang District, as detailed design. Subsequently, on November 12, 2014, well as in line with the strategy of Thailand in extending the Thai Cabinet approved for a financial assistance transport linkages with its neighboring countries which of 1,977 Million Baht to support the project. The will benefit the economy of both countries in terms of financial assistance consist of 80% concessional investment in industry, agriculture, tourism and service, loan totaling 1,581.60 Million Baht and 20% grant and trade of consumer goods, fuels or products used totaling 395.40 Million Baht. On November 26, 2014, in the agriculture and industrial sector. More trade and H.E. Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister and H.E. investment will increase the standard of leaving of the Thongsing Thammavong, Prime Minister of Lao PDR, people of Lao PDR. Moreover, this project can enhance witnessed the signing of the financial agreement the road network in Lao PDR effectively, linking Road between NEDA and Lao PDR. This project No. 13 and No. 4 and allowing people to travel from is a transportation linkage between Thailand throug h Road No. 4 and No. 6 in Lao PDR to Hanoi, Vietnam more conveniently and in shorter time. It is expected that the construction of the road will start in 2015 and complete in 2018.

5 ACTIVITIES

NEDA in consultation with NLC Kingdom of Bhutan. Ms. Rattikul Chansuriya, Member of the NEDA Executive Board and Deputy Director General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with NEDA delegation met H.E. Dasho Pema Chewang, Secretary of the National Land Commission (NLC) to discuss the financial assistance project on geographic mapping for northern Bhutan, between NEDA and the Government Bhutan on October 2, 2014 in Thimphu, Kingdom of Bhutan. Signing of ROD for Road / -Thanbyuzayat (Chaungsone-Ted Core) Project. Mr. Teerasak Mongkolpod, Senior Vice President of NEDA and Mr. U WIN LWIN, Deputy Chief Engineer of Public Works, Ministry of Construction (MOC) signed the Record of Discussion (ROD) for the technical assistance project for feasibility study and detailed design of road construction from Three Pagodas Pass Road / Payathonzu-Thanbyuzayat (Chaungsone-Ted Core), Republic of the Union of Myanmar. At the meeting, the consultant presented the Draft Final Report for the road section between Payathonzu-Chaungsone and border checkpoints building, in Myanmar on October 31, 2014. Seminar on Public Hearing and the draft report checking for Seung-bo, Cambodia project. Mr. Teerasak Mongkolpod, Senior Vice President of NEDA together with H.E. Sokhom Pheakavanmony, representative from Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), Cambodia attended the public hearing and the meeting to discuss the draft final report for the feasibility study and detailed design for the Stung Bot Border Control Facilities and the road links to Highway No. 5, Kingdom of Cambodia, at Lee Heng Chai hotel, Poipet, Cambodia on October 29, 2014.

Signing of financial assistance agreement in Hongsa-Chaing Man, Lao PDR Project. H.E. Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand and H.E. Mr. Thongsing Thammavong, Prime Minister of Lao PDR witnessed the signing of financial assistance agreement for the project of road construction from Hongsa-Ban Chiang Man (Chom Phet City, Luang Prabang) for 1,977 Million Baht between Mr. Newin Sinsiri, President of NEDA and H.E. Liane Thikeo, Minister of Finance of Lao PDR. The delegation also attended the bilateral meeting with representatives from Lao PDR on November 26, 2014 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

The 5th GMS Summit. On 19-20 December 2014, Mr. Newin Sinsiri, President of NEDA attended the 5th GMS Summit at Shangri-La hotel, Bangkok. The Leaders from 6 member countries, including H.E. Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Chairman of the Summit; H.E. Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, H.E. Li Keqiang, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Thongsing Thammavong, Prime Minister of Lao PDR, H.E. Thein Sein, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, H.E. Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Ministers of GMS, Mr. Takehiko Nakao, President of the Asian Development Bank and other dignitaries attended the Summit. President of NEDA was invited to give a statement to the Leaders on behalf of the development partners in supporting the financial and technical assistance in various fields, especially in the areas of connectivity, both hard and soft infrastructure, reduction of social inequality and environmental management, to contribute to the Inclusive and Sustainable Development, which is the goal of cooperation strategy in GMS (for year of 2012-2022).

Seminar with Thai private sectors on the Role of NEDA in Neighboring Countries. Mr. Newin Sinsiri, President of NEDA, delivered an opening speech to the representatives of private sector at seminar on the role of NEDA in neighboring countries and touch on the overall role of NEDA. Mr. Rapipit Promnart, Director of Project Management Bureau and Ms. Dariwan Prempoomiwate, Director of Technical Assistance Bureau provided guidelines and procedures for private sector’s participation in NEDA funded financial and technical assistance as well as explained NEDA’s operational plans for 2015-2017 at Rama Garden hotel on December 18, 2014.

Joint High-Level committee meeting between Thailand-Myanmar for Dawei SEZ Development Project. H.E. M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and H.E. U Nyan Tun, Vice President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar co-chaired the 2nd meeting of Joint High-Level Committee between Thailand-Myanmar for Dawei Special Economic Zone Development and Related Areas Projects (JHC) during 29-30 January 2015, where Mr. Newin Sinsiri, President of NEDA also joined. In addition, a Tripartite meeting between Thailand, Myanmar and Japan was also held, in which Japan has shown the intention to support the Dawei Special Economic Zone Development project through the provision of technical and financial assistance. Dawei project will be a catalyst for economic development of Myanmar, by creating job and business opportunities for the private sectors in Myanmar and other countries and will support the sustainable economic growth in the region.

The 3rd Myanmar Development Cooperation Forum. Mr. Newin Sinsiri, President of NEDA was invited by the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, Republic of the Union of Myanmar (MNPED) to attend the 3rd Myanmar Development Cooperation Forum: MDCF. H.E. Thein Sein, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar chaired the opening ceremony. The Forum focused on Inclusive Development and discussed technical and financial assistance to support the economic development efforts during 7-8 February 2015 in Nay Pyi Daw, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

Meeting to Prepare Partnership Strategy and Assistant Program between NEDA and Sri Lanka. Mr. Newin Sinsiri, President of NEDA and NEDA Executive Board Members had a trip to attend the meeting to discuss partnership strategy and assistant program/potential projects between NEDA and Sri Lanka, The delegation met related agencies including Ministry of Highways, Education and Investment Promotion; Ministry of Policy Planning, Economic Affairs, Child, Youth and Cultural Affairs; Ministry of Urban Development, Water Supply and Drainage; Board of Investment; and Sri Lanka Resident Mission of the Asian Development Bank, during 2-4 March 2015 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

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