Following the World Summit on Sustainable Development

Developing agribusiness training in the Mekong region

Six countries in South-East Asia together constitute the Greater Mekong Sub Region, the region from the start of the Mekong River in China to its delta in Vietnam. The other countries along the 4000 km Mekong River are Burma, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. With 300 million people, this region is fast developing into a heaven for agriculture and tourism.

Partnership in the Mekong region

To increase agribusiness activities in this region, the project "Developing agribusiness training in the Mekong Region" consisting of a number of training courses (supply chain management, marketing, teaching methods and developing partnerships) was started in 2003. Following the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, in 2002, partnerships between private enterprises, civil society and government are considered an effective tool for poverty alleviation. In the five countries these partnerships will be developed, resulting in better co-operation between enterprises and the universities and thus ultimately better-trained alumni.

Willem Brinckman project leader: 'With this project we achieve long-lasting relations with the five universities in the Mekong Region giving us the opportunity to develop joint programmes as well. And mind you, it is a very interesting region for staff and students alike.'

Partners in the project are:

Lead:

Van Hall Larenstein University of Professional Education (The Netherlands)

Partners:

Chiang Mai University (Thailand)

Hanoi Agricultural University (Vietnam)

National University of Laos

Royal University of Agriculture (Cambodia)

Yunnan Agricultural University Kunming (China)

Royal Agricultural College Cirencester (United Kingdom)

Associated Partner:

Nanjing Agricultural University (China)

MEKONG PROJECT

The project was finished at the end of 2006 and is funded by the European Commission.

Cost: EUR 300.000

www.mekongagribusiness.com