Mekong nations to receive aid

JAPAN pledged 500 billion yen (US$5.6 billion) in fresh aid to the Mekong region after concluding a summit yesterday aimed at catching up with neighboring China in strengthening its partnership with the Southeast Asian region.

Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar joined Japan at the two-day meeting, which underlined Tokyo's determination to woo the region, rich in natural resources and low-cost labor.

"It is fantastic that Japan can build a relationship of trust in this new way," Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said in Tokyo.

Laotian Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh praised the meeting. "We will carry out the action plans. We see mutual benefit," he said.

The leaders issued a "Tokyo declaration" that committed Japan's help for 63 projects in the region, including developing ports, airports and power lines, encouraging private sector investment and inviting 30,000 people, including youngsters, to visit Japan to promote exchange and understanding over the next three years.

Hatoyama, who is also holding talks with each of the five leaders, proposed Japan's cooperation for a "green Mekong," which will include water resource management and preserving the area's greenery and wildlife.

The leaders also discussed the importance of erasing economic disparities through further development, Hatoyama said.

The new aid is in addition to Japan's previous pledges to give nearly 400 billion yen to the region since 2007.

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