MEKONG - JAPAN COOPERATION: CURRENT STATUS AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

Since 2009, Mekong - Japan Cooperation has achieved significant progress. Japan and the Mekong Sub-region countries have gradually focused on and expanded cooperation in many fields, making the Mekong - Japan Cooperation gradually become the most important mechanism in the region. The Mekong Sub-region countries and Japan have made major contributions to helping the region develop more sustainably. The Mekong - Japan Cooperation mechanism is becoming more and more profound, effective and substantive. The activities of the Mekong - Japan Cooperation not only contribute to the development of the Mekong Sub-region but also increase Japan's connection with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. This study initially contributes to analyzing and clarifying the achievements and current status of the Mekong - Japan Cooperation mechanism from 2009 to 2025. Using historical and logical methods and the research of relevant documents, the study highlighted the opportunities and challenges of Mekong - Japan Cooperation. Finally, the article also analyzes the prospects of Mekong - Japan Cooperation with implications for planning and implementing cooperation policies and strategies between Japan and the Mekong Sub-region countries to further promote the development of the Mekong - Japan Cooperation process.