De, Prabir

Summary
The Mekong countries comprising Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam grew rapidly during the last decade. With the exception of the years of global financial crisis, magnitude of growth rates and duration are remarkable in Mekong history. Given a long historical and cultural link between India and Mekong countries, there are ample scopes for cooperation and so also potential gains. Regional economic integration has become a powerful tool to foster trade and link markets across borders, and is seen as a complimentary path to strengthen the globalisation process. India has taken steps on its passage towards economic integration, particularly with Southeast and East Asian countries. Ever since the adoption of Look East Policy (LEP) by India, the partnership with ASEAN countries in general and countries in Mekong region in particular has made significant progress. The growing partnership India and ASEAN is also viewed in the context of growing importance of South-South cooperation. The challenge is to translate recent gains into lasting progress through successful regional cooperation.
This book analyses the India-Mekong cooperation in light of growing ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership. It addresses the prospects and challenges concerning the India-Mekong relations and provides a framework for deepening the economic partnership in Mekong region. The book will serve as a knowledge product for policymakers, academics, private sector experts and regional cooperation practitioners; and is a must-read for anyone interested in the regional economic cooperation between India and Mekong region.
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