Within the framework of the 2014 International East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) Trade and Tourism Fair, which is being held in Da Nang from 15 - 20 August, a workshop entitled “ASEAN Community 2015 and its Impacts on Regional Cooperation along the East-West Economic Corridor" was held at the Saigontourane Hotel last Friday.  Co-organised by the municipal People’s Committee (PC) and Thailand’s Mekong Institute, around 100 domestic and foreign representatives attended.

Speaking at the event, the municipal PC Vice Chairman, Mr Huynh Duc Tho, remarked that the workshop was an excellent opportunity for localities in the EWEC countries, and others showing a keen interest in the EWEC, to learn more about the establishment of the ASEAN community and its impacts on their business activities.  They could then identify effective measures to easily adapt to the new situation in the years ahead, he added.  He said that the participants could contribute their opinions and recommendations to develop EWEC into an effective economic route, which would help to promote regional economic development.

An overview of the workshop

The Director of the Mekong Institute, Dr Watcharas Leelwath, said that the Mekong sub-region is made up of 6 countries, and most of them have experienced rapid economic growth over recent years.  He noted, however, that the economic development and distribution was uneven.  These countries are enjoying tariff exemptions, but their goods transportation costs remain high.  He added that their national economic growth rate would increase by 4% if the cost of freight transportation could decrease by 10%.  He stressed the need for these countries to apply effective measures at their customs transaction points along the EWEC corridor.