However, trade and investment within the subregion are being development steadily owing to the growing openness and revitalization of the economies, and the favorable legal and regulatory framework for local and foreign investors.

The countries in the subregion have many commun problems ( such as severe infrastructure shortage) and also commun goals ( such as outward-oriented economy and promotion of the participation of private sector). All countries recognize that the attraction of foreign investor depend to a great extend on the trade and investment environment.

The cooperation aiming at improving the Trade and Investment Climate in the Subregion would enable investors to consider their own strategies in the subregional context which is more attractive than the national context. Projects and initiatives emerged from the Third Conference on the Economic Cooperation in the Greater Mekong Subregion includes :

(a) Two Projects aiming at Facilitating and Enhancing Trade Flows

(b) Three Projects aiming at Improving Investment Climates

(c) Two Projects on Building a Strong Science and Technology Base

(d) One Project aiming at Increasing the Role of Private Sector