(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-18 21:30

Hanoi -- The low level of intra-regional trade remains a key challenge to the Greater Mekong Sub-region ( GMS) members, Lao newspaper Vientiane Times reported Friday.

A report released at a pre-GMS Summit meeting in Laos on January 17 said efforts by GMS members to integrate their markets should lead to an increase in trade among them and enhance cross-border investment flows.

Representatives from GMS members -- Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and China's Yunnan Province  met in Laos' Vientiane capital to discuss various issues prior to the Third GMS Summit slated for March 30-31 in the city.

Secretary General of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Khanthavong Daravong, said the GMS members should push trade and investment cooperation in various zones, including cooperation in the "Golden Triangle" among Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, and in the "Emerald Triangle" along Laos, Thailand and Cambodia.

Bilateral trade cooperation between Laos and Thailand, Vietnam, and China has been becoming closer and closer, he said, adding that his country will foster trade cooperation with Myanmar, especially in border trade.