Special Session of the MRC Joint Committee (MRC-JC) (March 18, 2022)

Phnom Penh: Mekong ​River ​Commission ​Secretariat (MRCS) ​had ​organized the ​Special Session of the MRC Joint Committee (JCSS) to discuss next steps of the Prior Consultation Process for the Proposed Sanakham Hydropower Project (SNHPP PC Process), presided over and leaded the discussion by His Excellency Mr. So Sophort, Secretary General of CNMC, Member of MRC-JC for Cambodia, and Chairperson of the MRC Joint Committee (MRC-JC) for 2022 and participated by the Delegation headed by MRC-JC from the four MRC Member Countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR., Thailand, and Viet Nam), the MRCS CEO, and the key relevant Specialists from MRC Secretariat. The Delegation from Cambodia headed by His Excellency Mr. Kol Vathana, Deputy Secretary General of CNMC and Chairperson of the Cambodian PNPCA JCWG, jointed by the Cambodian PNPCA JCWG Members from MOWRAM, MAFF, MME, MPWT, and MoE; CNMCS PNPCA WG Members; and the National Consultants.

The ultimate objective of the JCSS is to discuss for clear guidance/direction and agreement on the next step for SNHPP PC Process. Clear agreement on next step of the SNHPP PC Process will allow Member Countries (MCs) to conduct effectively and allow the MRCS to effectively support the MRC-JC and MCs on the remaining SNHPP PC Process toward its conclusion and the post-PC Process. The specific purposes of the JCSS are to:

- Lessons learnt on the implementation of the previous PC Processes, focusing on how recommendations made in the TRRs and the agreed measures in the Statements (JSs) and Joint Action Plans (JAPs) have been implemented so far;

- Report by MRCS on its proposed ways forward following different meetings with the JC Members or their representatives after the 3rd JCWG Meeting;

- Take note of the Technical Review Report by JC;

- Discuss and agreed on next step for SNHPP PC Process toward its conclusion, including the elements of the proposed Statement and JAP; and

- Initial Information on the Phou Ngoy HPP PC.