How can Mekong Region maximize the benefits of economic integration : a Cambodian perspective

Endowed with abundant but relatively unexploited natural resources and a large potential market, the greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) has a significant potential to be a growth center in the Asia-Pacific region. However, there is a huge development gaps among the members. Therefore, it requires joint effort to narrow down the gap. The paper focused on challenges faced by the GMS and how to maximize the benefit from economic integration with a Cambodian perspective. According to the paper findings, the main challenges include poverty, development gap, pressure to the environment, lack of resources, complicated procedure in trans-border transportation, competition. In order to maximize the benefit countries of GMS should wisely use resources, promote regional production linkages, improve trade and investment climate, accelerate reform programs, speed up infrastructure and transportation links, speed up economic integration with others regional mechanism, encourage private Participation and develop human resources.