USAID Mekong Safeguards Activity: Conduct PEA of CLMTV

The activity was implemented from August 22, 2018, to August 21, 2023, and was led by The Asia Foundation, with subawardees including The Henry L. Stimson Center, Global Environmental Institute (GEI), China International Contractors Association (CHINCA), and Beijing Rongzhi Corporate Social Responsibility Institute (Rongzhi). The geographic coverage of the activity included China and the lower Mekong countries of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The activity focused on conducting a Public Expenditure Analysis (PEA) of the energy and transportation infrastructure decision-making process in each of the five countries. The PEA aimed to identify the key challenges and opportunities in the decision-making process, as well as the institutional and policy frameworks that influence infrastructure development. The analysis was conducted through a combination of desk reviews, stakeholder interviews, and field visits. In Cambodia, the PEA identified the need for improved institutional capacity and coordination among government agencies, as well as the need for more effective stakeholder engagement and public participation in the decision-making process. The analysis also highlighted the importance of addressing the country's energy security challenges, including the need for increased investment in renewable energy sources. In Laos, the PEA found that the country's energy sector is heavily reliant on hydropower, which poses significant environmental and social risks. The analysis recommended that the government adopt a more diversified energy mix, including increased investment in solar and wind power. The PEA also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure development planning and coordination, as well as the importance of addressing the country's energy poverty challenges. In Myanmar, the PEA identified the need for improved energy sector governance and regulation, as well as the need for increased investment in renewable energy sources. The analysis also highlighted the importance of addressing the country's energy security challenges, including the need for increased investment in energy efficiency and demand-side management. In Thailand, the PEA found that the country's energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which poses significant environmental and health risks. The analysis recommended that the government adopt a more diversified energy mix, including increased investment in renewable energy sources. The PEA also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure development planning and coordination, as well as the importance of addressing the country's energy poverty challenges. The regional overview of the PEA highlighted the need for improved regional coordination and cooperation on energy and transportation infrastructure development. The analysis recommended that the governments of the lower Mekong countries adopt a more integrated and coordinated approach to infrastructure development, including the establishment of a regional infrastructure development framework. The PEA also highlighted the importance of addressing the region's energy poverty challenges, including the need for increased investment in energy access and energy efficiency.