Publications

Written by Mekong Institute

The 2nd training on Agricultural Productivity and Natural Resources' Management: Focus on Developing Agricultural Supply Chains in CLMV' is under the pilot phase of the "Supporting ASEAN Equitable Economic Development: A project based on policy-oriented research activities and capacity building programs focused on Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam (CLMV countries)".

The Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) co-organized this training in partnership with Mekong Institute (MI) and New Zealand Aid Programme from 18 to 22 February 2013. The five-day intensive training program on "Developing Agricultural Supply Chains in CLMV" is designed as a workshop, including interactive lectures, group discussion, structured learning visits and drafting analytical framework for 26 policy makers as well as 6 representatives of private sector from CLMV who basically work on agricultural productivity and agricultural trade issues.

The overall aim of this training is to reaffirm the importance, basis and scope of (rice) supply chain development to provide the backdrop/framework for assessing Discussion Papers (DPs) on supply chains under preparation for each CLMV member country – overview, structure, dynamics, future prospects and recommendations – subsequently, dove-tailed into a regional DP and Policy Brief for CLMV as a whole.

The transformation of traditional agricultural marketing to new supply chain management, supply chains models and diverse case studies were presented and discussed among participants and regional experts. Situation analysis of Supply Chains issues based on the framework of the ASEAN 2030 Study was drafted by each CLMV country's participants comprising the following components:

(i) a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats (SWOT) analysis for the agricultural supply chains in each country;

(ii) a set of aspiration targets for the seed industry to reach by the year 2015 and 2030 at national level;

(iii) the identification of the primary and secondary challenges the countries will be facing in fulfilling their aspirations; and (iv) a set of policy options each country will need to consider introducing to address the challenges. Apart from case studies from CLMV and Asian countries, this training program arranged structured learning visits that enabled all participants and experts to crystallize the supply chains concepts learned during class work with practices from farm to table in selected Thailand case studies.

The discussion points of the training that should be clarified and well defined before any policy making are;

• The major challenges to promote agricultural supply chains are similar to the seed industry development which is; limitation of infrastructure development and environment for investment is not supportive for investors as yet. Hence, there is the need for public-private partnership to cope with these challenges.
• Regarding the old green revolution and the new ‘doubly green revolution', a key challenge is how to recommend to policy makers or policy options to stop the improper practices of local producers, especially in the misuse of agro-chemicals in order to respond to global markets that are now increasingly demanding organic or green agricultural products.
• It is interesting to examine the production capacity to serve the global supply chain. In terms of electronics industry, macro policy is important to focus on factor (company) and find the way to support producers to absorb the technology and assist them to help themselves. In terms of agriculture, should also concentrate on any concrete initiatives to support producers or stakeholders along the chains to access global supply chains, for instance economic zones could be one model to apply for clustering the agricultural supply chain.
• CLMV countries are facing similar problem of investors prefer to deal with larger farms, while in the production side they are largely fragmented farms and it would cost a lot to coordinate them. In the case of Philippines, company complains about high cost of investment while producers complain low price of product. What they did in fact in the Philippines, they increase the price but they left maintenance of the road to the small growers. Also the government addresses this coordination issue to facilitate both levels in the chain.
• In SME supply Chains development, the market needs to be identified before production plan. However, in rural areas it is difficult to identify market and support them in terms of technology. Before identifying the type of product to promote as SME cluster, there is the need to study the market and also conduct the need assessment in the area. Chambers of Commerce should be active to identify the list for agricultural traders or producers. The objective of forming cluster is to identify who are producing what and where, in order to collectively organize them together to access the bigger markets in each CLMV countries.

Learning Methods on Supply Chain in this training:

• To complement and supplement our study, we provided insights surrounding other country's (China, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Thailand and further field) and region's (GMS) as well as international agencies' experiences, successes and exciting on-going initiatives, involving an array of crops and organic products by a select group of resource persons.
• There were also 2 field trips:
• Central Group CSR vegetables project -Central is a huge Thai conglomerate – with huge retailing presence (Central, Robinson, Tops, Big C and Quick Service Restaurants (GSR) like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Mister Donut). We will see vegetables supply chain (involving small growers) – from production, processing and linked up to modern retail outlets, TOPS supermarket, all in one day
• Betagro Group -fully integrated poultry (layers and broilers) and swine supply chains involving animal feed, animal health & vaccines, processing into various value-added products.

The major outputs and outcomes of this training are:

1. The National Level Studies will be coordinated and dovetail into a Regional Level Discussion Paper and Policy Brief on the development and management of agri-food supply chains focusing on rice in this Pilot Phase in CLMV countries, with the underlying rationale of using supply chains to facilitate agriculture as engine of growth to drive overall inclusive and sustainable development of the region.
2. The Regional Level reports will focus on (a) developing comprehensive rice supply chains, and (b) managing rice supply chains effectively to support regional trading networks and food security – increasingly involving border-trade and GMS orientation. It will examine (i) transformation of rice supply chains and connectivity , (ii) rise of supermarkets (iii) value-adding along supply chains; (iii) policy issues; (iv) country comparisons; and (v) regional and global considerations (including trans-regional border trade). It also identifies effective ways for developing and managing rice supply chains in CLMV, including:

• comparing and analyzing the set of maps of the rice supply chains and trading networks, as well as trans-border trade or supply networks for each CLMV country;
• identifying surplus and deficit areas and their extent within each country and between countries with a view of facilitating cross-border trade and investments;
• examine the development of supermarkets and the extent which the key stakeholders in the supply chain have benefited and areas where marginalization have occurred ;
• consider issues and weaknesses (and strengths) along the respective rice supply chains that are germane to all the CLMV countries and those which are peculiar to specific members; and
• coming up with a set of policy issues that need to be addressed holistically, complete with accompanying recommendations.

Written by Mekong Institute

The recent Synthesis and Evaluation Workshop on SME Cluster Development and Export Consortia Formation in CLMV conducted on 15-16 October 2013 in Phnom Penh – is part of the three-year project on "Capacity Building for the Integration of CLMV Economies into ASEAN Economic Community" from 2012-2014, funded by New Zealand Aid Programme (NZAP).

Fourteen participants, who are the MI-alumni from CLMV countries participating at the TOT training program on SME cluster development and export consortia at the Mekong Institute in May 2013, attended at this S&E workshop to reflect and learn from each other on the action plan implementation, and to share best practices, experiences, and outcomes of the implementation.

Participants of this workshop included (i) leaders of the CLMV national workshops who provided training and assisted the SMEs in their countries to develop SME clusters and export consortia including, mango and organic vegetable clusters (Cambodia), organic rice cluster (Lao PDR), macadamia cluster (Myanmar), and Van Phuck silk and Dongha silk clusters (Vietnam).

The workshop gave participants an open platform to share their action plan implementation experiences and discuss the progress, challenges, and hurdles faced during the formation, promotion and their into regional and global value chains.

Discussion on best practices and challenges in implementing the action plans allowed both the MI team and fellow participants to evaluate the learning process experienced by their peers. Feedback received during these sessions will be used to improve similar programs and workshops of MI in the future.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute (MI) conducted a one week Regional Training Programme on Product Market Identification for GMS " from April 29 – May 3, 2013 at its Residential Training Center in Khon Kaen, Thailand. This training program is part of the three-year project on "Capacity Building for the Integration of CLMV Economies into ASEAN Economic Community" from 2012-2014, funded by New Zealand Aid Programme (NZAP).

Thirty participants from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Yunnan Province of PR. China attended this regional training programme. They were senior or mid level of officials and staff from government departments from Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Trade Promotion Agencies, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Business Association and business entrepreneurs.
The programme aimed to support SME through identification of external market for their exportable products. SMEs in the GMS countries have been producing a wide range of products capable of capturing the external foreign markets. However, it is common that SMEs in the first stage of internationalization would require support with systematic procedure and process of obtaining information about the external markets. With this backdrop, the training is designed with the following objectives:

1. To facilitate the SMEs of the GMS countries in identification of external markets for their products.
2. To develop a pool of experts from each of the GMS countries who are well acquinted with the product market idenfication process with the help of trade data and using simple but effective trade analysis tools.
3. To develop a product – market identification system by using requisite software developed for the purpose and which can be readily used by different producers of GMS countries seeking external markets for their products.
4. The training programme was designed and delivered using a modular training approach with three progressive stages: i) "Learn to Do" – training on concepts, techniques and tools to be employed; ii) "Do to Learn" – the participants were required to apply what they learned in their work assignments with proper coaching from assigned advisors; and iii) "Share to Learn" – the participants had an opportunity to present the results of their group work, learning experiences and lessons learned. Dr. Gautam Dutta, an expert in International Marketing and SME Cluster Development acted as lead resource person for the training. Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, an in house resource person, delivered sessions on strategies for export development through formation of export consortia. Mr. Sa-nga Sattanun also contributed through coordinating the programme.

The training programme was delivered through five inter-related modules:
Module 1: Understanding mechanism of international trade and documentation system of these trade data in trade data base systematically for future use by the traders, analyst and policy makers. This module also introduced trade data base like trade map to the participants.
Module 2: Understanding the product codification system like Harmonized System code (HS code) and use of these product codes used in trade. This module also developed a list of exportable products with the involvement of the participants for each of the GMS countries and identify HS codes for the products of export interest of the GMS countries.
Module 3: Understanding the different trade data analysis tools like Shift Share approach, Revealed Competitive Advantage, Trade Intensity Index.
Module 4: Using trade data for target market identification for selected product/products through systematic use of the trade tools, stage wise, and short listing the countries of export interest. Use of concept like relative growth vs. absolute growth in arranging the countries of marketing interest are also introduced.
Module 5: Understanding the level of competition in the target countries due to export by other countries. Understanding the market access requirements like tariff and non tariffs existed in the target market through use of trade data base.

As part of the training requirements, the participants developed action plans to identify top 20 exportable products from their respective countries The action plans, will be implemented within the framework of two months during June– July 2013.

The programme evaluation results revealed a high level of satisfaction among the participants.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute (MI) conducted a one-week Training of Trainer (ToT) program on "Enhancing the Utilization of FTA by SMEs" from June 17-21, 2013 at its Residential Training Center in Khon Kaen, Thailand. This ToT program is part of the three-year project on "Capacity Building for the Integration of CLMV Economies into ASEAN Economic Community" from 2012-2014, funded by New Zealand Aid Programme (NZAP).

Twenty-eight (28) participants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam and China attended this training program comprising of senior and mid level officials from private sector bodies, namely chambers of commerce and industry, business associations, exporters and importers from the GMS countries.

The program aimed to develop the capacities of the participants to deepen their understanding and improve their knowledge with the necessary skills for greater utilization of FTAs in the regional and global trade. This training applied a Training of Trainer (ToT) approach to build up capacities of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, business association, SME exporters, BDS providers and officials from the government agencies so that they can localize and replicate the ToT package in the respective countries.

Dr. Tamanna Chaturvedi from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), India, acted as resource person to deliver specific topics on WTO, RTA/FTA, tariff negotiation, tariff reduction, NTM, trade facilitation, ROO, and FTA utilization and evaluation. Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, an in-house resource person, shared a session on evaluating status of SME in GMS countries, and Dr. Nittana Southiseng shared a session on assessing business opportunities for SMEs in integration of AEC 2015. The training program was delivered through four inter-related modules:

Module 1: Understanding the conceptual framework of an RTA/FTA and its implications in regional SME Context
Module 2: Understanding negotiating issues in FTA: case study of FTAs signed by GMS
Module 3: Accessing trade benefits of FTA: case study of AFTA
Module 4: Promoting the utilization of FTAs by SMEs as per the regional and international requirements

As part of the training requirements, the participants developed action plans to localize training packages to conduct National Workshop on Enhancing the Utilization of FTA by SMEs in CLMV countries and China – to transfer the knowledge gained to the local SME exporters, CCIs, BAs and government agencies in their respective countries. The national workshops will be organized within three months period from June to August 2013, before reconvening at MI in October 2013.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute was commissioned by the New Zealand Aid Programme (NZAP) to conduct a ten-day training course on "Improving Food Quality and Safety through Good Agricultural and Postharvest Practices in Fresh Produce" from 20 – 31 May 2013. Twenty-seven government officials and private sector staff from Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam participated in the training program. The course objective is to improve participants' understanding of the importance of Good Agricultural (GAP) and Postharvest Practices in promoting product quality and safety of fruits, vegetables and meats. The course was held at the MI Residential Training Facility in Khon Kaen Province with four structured learning visits in Khon Kaen and Nakhon Pathom Provinces of Thailand.

The training course was designed and delivered using modular training approach, of which, all participants went through three progressive stages: a) "Learn to do" – training on concepts, techniques and tools; b) "Do to learn" – participants are required to apply what they have learned in their work assignment with proper coaching from assigned advisors; and c) "Share to learn" – participants will have an opportunity to present their group works/findings and share their learning experiences and lessons learned.

Two Resource Persons, a) Mr. John Campbell, the Quality Systems Coordinator from Plant and Food Research, New Zealand, and 2) Ms. Maria Theresa S. Medialdia, the Program Manager of the Mekong Institute, contributed to the design and delivery of the lectures in the training course.

The training course was comprised of four interrelated modules. Module 1 on "Introduction to Product Quality and Safety" illustrated that assurance of good quality and safety of agricultural products was a big challenge and could spell the difference in the countries' ability to penetrate foreign markets and in gaining the trust and confidence of consumers. Module 2 on "Good Agricultural Practices: Nature and Importance" introduced the importance of GAP in ensuring product quality and food safety of agricultural produce. The principles of GAP and its components were discussed and participants shared about the status of GAP development and application in CLMV countries and learn from the experiences of Thailand. Module 3 on "Postharvest Handling and Marketing for Food Safety and Produce Quality" introduced the participants to the importance of postharvest handling and management and gave an overview on the postharvest losses in developed and developing countries. The application of the agrochemical was also discussed during this module. Module 4 on "ASEAN GAP Inspection and Certification" described the importance of GAP certification and the associated procedures in establishing a national inspection and certification body.

Four structured learning visits were organized for the participants in this course; their understanding of the program's contents was enhanced through different appreciation visits and interaction with enterprises at Sum Sung Safety and Chemical Free Cooperatives and Betagro Company in Khon Kaen Province and Huai Phra GlobalGAP Farm and SWIFT Company in Nakhon Pathom Province of Thailand.

The evaluations conducted throughout the course confirmed that the objectives were achieved and the learning program was successful. Most of the participants were very satisfied with the program as shown in the total average rating by participants on the usefulness of the learning program at 3.81 and the overall assessment at 3.89. Using a scale of 1 to 5, this indicated that participants found the training program "useful" and were "satisfied" with the program contents and overall training management. All participants appreciated the professionalism of the resource persons, organizing team, and supporting staff. They committed to complete their action plans before the Synthesis and Evaluation Workshop which will be held on 13-15 November 2013.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute was commissioned by the Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency (TICA) to conduct a twelve-day training course on "Postharvest Practices: Experiences and Best Practices in New Zealand and Thailand" from 14-25 October 2013. Fifteen government officials from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam participated in the training program. The course objective is to increase the awareness of the participants on several ways to reduce losses in the production and marketing of agricultural products. The course was held at the MI Residential Training Facility in Khon Kaen with field visits on three sites, i.e., SWIFT Fruit and Vegetable Processing Company and Postharvest Technology Center (PHTC) in Nakhon Pathom Province, and Talaad Thai Wholesale Market in Pathumthani Province.

The training course was designed and delivered using modular training approach, of which, all participants went through three progressive stages: a) "Learn to do" – training on concepts, techniques and tools; b) "Do to learn" – participants are required to apply what they have learned in given exercises and group assignments with proper coaching from Resource Persons and facilitators; and c) "Share to learn" – participants had an opportunity to present their group works and share their learning experiences and lessons learned.
There are two sets of Resource Persons who contributed to the design and delivery of the lectures, workshops and structured learning visits, namely:

A. Lecture Resource Persons

• Dr. Nigel Banks, Postharvest Expert of Postharvest. Co Limited, New Zealand
• Assoc. Prof.Dr. Sungcom Techawongstien, Lecturer of Horticulture Division, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kean University, Thailand
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manit Kosittrakun, Lecturer of Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Thailand

B. Field Visit Resource Persons

• Mr. Setthapat Choobut, Assoc. Manager of Talaad Thai Wholesale Market, Thailand
• Ms. Paphavee Suthavivat, Managing Director of SWIFT Fruit and Vegetable Processing Company, Thailand
• Dr. Apita Bunsiri, Ph.D, Researcher of Postharvest Technology Center, Thailand

The training course was comprised of five interrelated modules. Module 1 on "A Better World through Postharvest Systems" introduced the participants to current levels of postharvest losses in different parts of the world. Module 2 on "Delivering Perfect Eating Experiences" delivered the knowledge on dimensions of quality in harvested fresh produce and ways in which quality can be managed to secure high performing batches of products. Module 3 on "Postharvest Physiology" introduced key physiological processes in harvested produce. Module 4 on "Postharvest Technologies" illustrated dimensions of postharvest technology. Module 5 on "Indigenous Postharvest Practices in Thailand" demonstrated best practices in postharvest handling employed by product handlers.

The evaluation conducted throughout the course confirmed that the objectives were achieved and the learning program was successful. Most of the participants were very satisfied with the program as shown in the total average rating by participants on the usefulness of the learning program at 4.27 and the overall assessment at 4.67. Using a scale of 1 to 5, this indicated that participants found the training program "very useful" and they were "very satisfied" with the program contents and overall training management.

Written by Mekong Institute

Under the Cooperation Agreement among Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency (TICA), New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ-MFAT) and the Mekong Institute (MI), the twelve-day training course on "Agriculture Sector Value Chain Analysis and Promotion" was conducted by MI from August 19 - 30, 2013. Twenty- three government officials and NGO staff from Afghanistan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam attended the training course. The course aimed at developing the participants' professional capacity and broadening their horizon on the features, usefulness and benefits of the Value Chain Approach to local, national and regional economic development. The course was held at the MI Residential Training Facility in Khon Kaen with structured learning visits to rice and vegetable value chains in Khon Kaen, Thailand.

The training course was designed and delivered using the modular training approach, of which, all participants went through three progressive stages: a) "Learn to do" – training on concepts, techniques and tools; b) "Do to learn" – participants are required to apply what they have learned in their work assignment with proper coaching; and c) "Share to learn" – participants had an opportunity to present their group work outputs and share their learning experiences and lessons learned.

The Mekong Institute worked closely with the Resource Person from New Zealand in the design and delivery of the training program. The training program was designed into 2 parts. The theoretical part was handled mostly by Dr. Sandra Kathleen Martin, Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Faculty of Commerce, Lincoln University, New Zealand and Assoc Prof. Nongluck Suphanchaimat, Department of Agriculture Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University. The practical part which exposed the participants to actual rice and vegetable value chain was facilitated by MI staff and Thai Resource Persons from the field visit sites.

The training course was comprised of five interrelated modules. Module 1: "Overview of Value Chain" introduced the participants to the definition, characteristics, core concepts, and the need to adopt the Value Chain Approach. The benefits and importance of the value chain analysis were also presented. Module 2: "Value Chain Promotion as an Approach to Pro-Poor Economic Development" deepened their knowledge on the background of value chain promotion. It illustrated the role of value chain analysis as a useful tool for promoting sustainable rural development and poverty reduction. Module 3: "Tools in Value Chain Analysis" translated the concepts of value chains into practice, particularly in the agriculture sector, by using different case studies in Thailand. Potential intervention areas, to increase competitiveness in each case study, were formulated as well as the sharing of best practices in agriculture value chain development in other countries. Module 4: "Role of the Public Sector in Promoting Value Chains in the Agriculture Sector" illustrated the elements of an enabling environment which include, inter alia, policy and regulation, infrastructure, and availability of essential financial and business development services needed by enterprises. Such an "enabling environment" needs to be tabled and developed at a multitude of levels, including the local levels where real enterprises physically locate and operate, as well as at the national level. Module 5: "Role, Significance and Trends of Cross-Border Agricultural Trade" discussed the state of cross-border trade in the GMS and identified the corresponding constraints and key successful factors in promoting agricultural trade in the region.

The evaluations conducted throughout the course confirmed that the objectives were achieved and that the learning program was successful. Most of the participants were very satisfied with the program as shown in the total average rating by participants on the usefulness of the learning program at "3.7" and the overall assessment at "4.27". Using a scale of 1 to 5, this indicated that the participants found the training program "useful" and were "very satisfied" with the program contents and overall training management.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute (MI) organized an eight-day workshop on "Orientation and Basic Training Course Management and Facilitation Skills" held in October 15-22, 2013 at MI's residential training center in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Nine Young Greater Mekong Subregion Professionals (YGMSP) and new MI staff participated in the learning program. The workshop aimed to build-up capacity in managing training programs and other events for the YGMSPs and new staff at MI in facilitation skills in facilitating group meetings, in creating and enabling environment for participatory decision-making, and strategic processes involving multi-stakeholders.

During the eight-day workshop, the program was designed and delivered using participatory approaches. The participants went through three progressive stages which are: 1 - "Learn to do", where participants were provided with information on basic concepts and tools to be employed; 2 - "Do to learn", where in participants learned to apply newly-acquired knowledge and skills in their work assignments with proper guidance from facilitators; and 3 - "Share to learn", where participants were given opportunities to present their group work, and share their experiences with their co-participants and facilitators. In addition, the participants were given the opportunity to apply the acquired knowledge and skills first-hand during the Structured Learning Visit (SLV) at Sumsung Village in Khon Kaen, Thailand.

Upon the completion of the workshop, YGMS participants were assigned to work in different departments in MI for 6 months; during which it is expected that participants would gain knowledge as well as enhance their skills and experiences.
The overall assessment of the workshop showed that most of the participants were quite satisfied (4.39 out of 5) with the learning program and orientation provided. From the evaluation, the participants expressed that sessions related to facilitation skills are found to be most relevant and useful to the nature of the work of MI. Other topics the participants thought are beneficial included ‘Finance and Budgeting', ‘Monitoring and Evaluation', ‘GMS Culture and Society', ‘MI information and Working Environment, and ‘Integration and Cooperation of the GMS.'

In the light of areas to be improved and follow-up activities which ought to be included in the program are that feedbacks on their fieldwork reports as well as the groups' presentation skills from staff or experts should be given to participants. Also, it was recommended that during the preparation for the field trip, some groups struggled during the task allocation. In this regard, it can be interpreted that the participants should be supervised more closely by the staff. Aside from the aforementioned, one of the participants expressed his desire in that participants should be given feedback individually in order that the received comments will be use to indenfify one's weakness and made improvements on those determined area(s).

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute was commissioned by New Zealand Aid Programme to conduct a four-week annual GMS Youth Camp on "Modern Farming Systems" from 1 to 27 July 2013 for 34 students and 4 teachers from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV). The program aimed to establish knowledge and skills sharing networks among selected agriculture universities in CLMV countries. It also aimed to improve the knowledge and skills of regional cooperation and integration to support the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.

Specifically, the Youth Camp aims to: (a) provide students of the CLMV countries with experiential learning opportunities in the whole supply chain; (b) promote modern farming systems for universities which can be adapted to the specific country's conditions and can be used for agricultural curriculum improvement and design of internship program; (c) provide the students opportunities to learn about new technologies, products, and know-how in agribusiness management; (d) and foster relationships and develop regional network among CLMV youths for enhanced regional cooperation, integration, and future collaboration.

There were four host companies contributed to the design and delivery of the practicum from 4 to 23 July 2013, namely: Betagro Group, Mitr Phol Group, SF Khon Kaen, and Swift Company.

The program was designed and delivered by using modular training approach where participants went through three progressive stages: a) "Learn to do" – the participants were provided knowledge on the basic concepts of modern farming systems via the introductory session at the MI Residential Training Center in Khon Kaen province as well as exposure to KKU's modern technology agriculture demonstration farm; b) "Do to learn" – Participants were provided practical learning experiences with their respective host companies related to poultry in Khon Kaen province, sugarcane in Chaiyaphum province and vegetable in Nakhon Pathom, Petchaboon and Rajchaburi provinces, with the company's supervisors; and c) "Share to learn" – participants got an opportunity to present their group works/findings and share their learning experiences and lessons learned during the reflection and way forward session from 26 to 27 July 2013. Additionally, they also shared their gained knowledge and experiences to other students and teachers at their respective universities upon their return.

The results of the evaluation showed that the Youth Camp on "Modern Farming Systems" was successful both in terms of program design and content, and overall organization and management. Students and teachers found that all knowledge and skills were useful to them. Mekong Institute staff, host company supervisors, and farm owners were very friendly and supportive during their stay.

However, there were some rooms for improvement. Language barrier remained the key challenge for their learning. Some of students have limited English skills to communicate effectively as well as some of the company staff and farmers. Hence, the recruitment process should be strengthened to ensure student's qualification especially on English and Thai language skills. Secondly, large number of students recommended to extend the period of internship from 3 weeks to 1 to 2 months.

Written by Mekong Institute

The training course on "Strengthening Coordinated Cross Border Systems in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam - CLMV" was conducted on 2 to 11 September 2013 at the Mekong Institute Residential Training Center, Khon Kaen, Thailand. The course was co-sponsored by Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency (TICA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thailand and Singapore Cooperation Program, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore. Course participants were mid-level civil servants who are involved in cross-border procedure such as officers from customs, immigration and sanitary and phyto-sanitary departments of CLMV countries.

The general objectives of the course were to enhance the participants' appreciation of the urgency to facilitate Asian Single Window (ASW) and improve their knowledge and skills on coordinated cross border management in an inter-active and shared learning environment.

Twenty-five participants from relevant ministries and government agencies in Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam attended the training. The participants gave an over-all rating of 3.93 (well attained) on the achievement of the training objectives. According to the participants, the training responded to their expectations, experiences and employed effective training delivery methods.

The project was delivered in four modules to equip participants with basic concepts on Asian Economic Cooperation, Cross-Border Transportation and Single Window and encourage appreciating the cross-border coordination to enhance the more systematic service delivery to the national and cross-border economic development.

Module-1: The first session of Module 1 allowed trainers to prepare the groundwork, break the ice and give the overview of the training workshop and adult learning principles. The second session provided the overview for the importance of coordinated cross border management in the context of the ASEAN Single Window system and Cross Border Transport Agreement, as well as the Best Practices of Cross-Border Management from Singapore.

Module-2: This module facilitated enhancing knowledge and competencies towards efficient, professional and ethical border management. Such as understanding of the functions of immigration controls, the threats that they face and the importance of travel and identity documents in the control process, the efforts in better management of visa application case loads, streamlining processes, eliminate time-consuming administrative functions, improving service standards and combating frauds.

Modul-3: This module exposed participants to the GMS and ASEAN Customs Cooperation Framework and explored ways to simplify and harmonize cross-border customs regulations and procedures.

Module-4: Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) Measures, focused on the application of systems and regulations to ensure safety in food, animal and plant health in the cross border movement of food and agricultural commodities.

Learning methodologies included theoretical inputs such as lectures and presentations, as well as inter-active exercises, such as, small group discussions, case studies, videos, group discussions, field visits. The overall program evaluation show's that participants were satisfied with the learning content and methodologies. Project outcomes included knowledge and understanding of all components and mechanisms relating to cross-border procedure management, best practice from Singapore and Thailand on immigration and custom policy, and establishing good working relationship among participants from other Mekong countries. (Part IV Ways Forward)

Towards the end of the training, the participants' defined areas of priority actions that they would want to carry out in their respective countries, as well as recommendations common actions at the GMS-level and for future similar training.

Recommendations for future Cross border procedure training were:

• Diverse, intense and in-depth examples on the linkage or simplification between customs and another inter-agency.
• How Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) sector can get involved in single window and Cross-Border Transport Agreement (CBTA)?
• Practical suggestions on how to prepare for 2015 AEC and Asian Single Window for all sectors involving in the cross-border issue, or in other words MI should include module/sessions facilitating technical learning.
• Show the benefit or income for Government from practicing Asian Single Window (ASW) System.
• Technical learning on how to link National Single Window to ASEAN Single window
• Knowledge and understanding skills development in detecting of fraudulent documents
• MI to organize the structured learning visit (SLV) for GMS members to visit other ASEAN members to physically observe the best practice case study for better understanding and learning of the practical implantation of the process.
• Increase time for sharing more case studies on how SPS sector can be involved in the single window and CBTA?