Details

Charadine Pich

Charadine Pich from Cambodian Institute of Cooperation and Peace (CICP) will present her paper "Cambodia in the Context of Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC): Progress and Ways Forward". The presentation will be followed by Q&A session.

Free of charge. Just register here.

SYNOPSIS

In 2018, as the co-chair of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC), Cambodia positioned itself prominently in steering the wheels forward. Although MLC on its own is relatively new in nature in term of its establishment, institutional-wise, it has progressed in a full-speed with remarkable political wills and commitment to forge ahead and undeniably have had significant influence on the Mekong sub-region, be it economically and/or strategically, at large.

Hence, the preliminary thought of this project was to try to assess the progress and challenges of Cambodia in the context of MLC framework vis-à-vis the ways forward. MLC’s key priority areas align very well with the Cambodia’s National Development Strategies including the Rectangular Strategy and Industrial Development Policy (2015-2025). Major drawbacks and challenges are needed to be taken seriously into considerations including unequal project distribution; limited information and engagement; the blurry distinction between bilateral deals, the MLC and the BRI; fear of unsustainable investment; and concern over a potential debt-burden and hence, debt-trap diplomacy (?)

SHORT BIO

PICH Charadine is currently serving as the Coordinator of the Global Center for Mekong Studies (GCMS) of the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace (CICP). She was also the adjunct lecturer in the Department of Political Science and IR at Zaman University, Cambodia. She had been working with several non-government organizations and had also jointly conducted numerous research projects, prior to her current affiliation.

She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations with High Honors from Zaman University (Cambodia) and holds a Master of Arts in Dialogue Studies (concentrated on political dialogue) with Merit from Keele University (United Kingdom). She has written on various issues concerning Cambodia’s political development and its subsequent foreign policy implications. Her focus is on Sino-Cambodia relations (particularly political economy dilemma, foreign aid policy, and economic statecraft), ASEAN studies, Cambodia’s politics and foreign relations.