The growing strategic importance of the Mekong region to the United States Home to 242.8 million people from Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, the Mekong is rapidly becoming one of the most consequential regions for America’s future. The region has experienced significant economic growth, while attractive opportunities in energy and transportation infrastructure development have led to 1,039 U.S. companies operating in or with the five Mekong countries. As the United States strengthens its focus on the region through the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy (FOIP), America faces economic, security and governance challenges. On June 6, 2019, Meridian brought together … Continued
Exploring the Cultural, Political and Economic Linkages between the U.S. and Mainland Southeast Asia Meridian International Center | Washington, DC | June 6, 2019 Summary The countries along the Mekong River have much in common boasting rich cultural heritage and biodiversity, while experiencing significant economic growth and undertaking substantial infrastructure development in recent years. The five nations of Mainland Southeast Asia – Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam – comprise promising economic markets in this region of rising geopolitical importance and one with increasing wanderlust appeal. As the United States continues to evaluate existing alliances and consider new partnerships, policymakers … Continued
