The Mekong River Commission (MRC) is an intergovernment body charged 'to promote and co-ordinate sustainable management and development of water and related resources for the countries' mutual benefit and the people's well-being by implementing strategic programmes and activities and providing scientific information and policy advice.'

History

The MRC was established on 5 April 1995 by the 'Agreement on The Cooperation for The Substainable Development of The Mekong River Basin'. The MRC member countries are Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam. MRC maintains regular dialogue with the two upper states of the Mekong River Basin, China and Myanmar.

The MRC member countries agreed to co-operate in all fields of sustainable development, utilisation, management and conservation of the water and related resources of the Mekong River Basin, such as navigation, flood control, fisheries, agriculture, hydropower and environmental protection.

The former Mekong Committee, dating back to 1957, had a different mandate and role focusing specifically on water resource development.

Governance

The MRC is governed by its four member countries through the Joint Committee and the Council. Members of the Joint Committee are usually senior civil servants heading government departments. There is one member from each country. The Joint Committee meets two to three times a year to approve budgets and strategic plans. Members of the Council are cabinet ministers. The Council meets once a year.

Technical and administrative support is provided by the MRC Secretariat. The Secretariat is based in Vientiane, Lao P.D.R, with over 120 staff including scientists, administrators and technical staff. A Chief Executive Officer manages the Secretariat.

External Links

See Mekong River Commission (http://www.mrcmekong.org/)