Second Meeting of the Working Group on Human Resource Development

1-2 June 1999

Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Introduction
The Second Meeting of the Working Group on Human Resource development (WGHRD-2) was
held at Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 1-2 June 1999. The Meeting was co-organized by the
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Asian
Development Bank (ADB).
The participants included delegations from Cambodia, the People's Republic of China (PRC),
Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
Representatives from Germany (Deutsche Gessellschaft fr Technische Zusammenarbeit or
GTZ), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Mekong Institute, the Mekong River
Commission (MRC), UNAIDS, the United Nations International Drug Control Program (UNDCP),
the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF),
the World Health Organization (WHO), and ADB also attended. The list of participants is
attached as Appendix 1.
The Meeting was co-chaired by His Excellency, Mr. Pok Than, Secretary of State, Ministry of
Education, Youth and Sports of the Royal Government of Cambodia, and Mr. Edward Haugh,
Manager, Education and Health Division (West), ADB.
The Meeting was divided into five sessions as follows: Session I - Introduction and Opening
Session; Session II - Country Presentations; Session III - Stocktaking; Session IV - Future
Agenda; and Session V - Conclusion. Two discussion groups were formed under Session IV
one in health and education, and the other in labor markets. The deliberations of the discussion
groups were reported on and considered in the plenary sessions. The program of the Meeting is
attached as Appendix 2.
Opening Session
His Excellency, Mr. Toh Lah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and
Sports, welcomed the participants on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia. He thanked
the ADB for organizing the WGHRD as the central forum to promote investment in HRD and to
jointly address the crosscutting concerns. He reviewed the Working Group's terms of reference
(TOR) and areas of priority endorsed during its Inception Meeting. He challenged the Working
Group to continue carrying out its mission based on the shared conviction that HRD is the key to
broad-based sustainable development. The lesson of the ongoing economic crisis shows that
the GMS economies are closely linked. They should therefore continue to work together to
enhance the competitiveness of the region by improving the skills and productivity of the labor
force, improving living standards, providing social services and economic opportunities, and
broadening the base of participation through the empowerment of grassroots communities and
the private sector. He expressed the hope that the Meeting will result in a fruitful exchange of
views and experiences on HRD.

Mr. Someth Suos, Resident Representative, Cambodia Resident Mission, ADB, delivered the
opening remarks on behalf of the Bank. He cited that the Bank has been working closely with
the GMS countries, in partnership with bilateral and multilateral institutions, in supporting priority
areas for GMS cooperation. Since 1992, the Bank's overall investment in the GMS Program has
reached approximately $1 billion with about $38 million in technical assistance. Under the
WGHRD, the Bank has supported a number of projects including those relating to the
prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, employment promotion and training, and addressing the
health and education needs of ethnic minorities. There is scope for addressing other areas of
common needs including skills training to meet market demand, and training in environmental
conservation and management etc. He noted the presence of many international organizations
at the Meeting and emphasized the importance of continuing partnerships with these
organizations, as well as with NGOs and the private sector. These partnerships have
contributed to the success of the GMS Program through cofinancing and other forms of
contribution. The future agenda on HRD will require political stability, government commitment,
and continuing improvements in the quality of the resource base. These are all vital components
for sustainable economic growth in the region.
Mr. Toru Tatara, ADB, also addressed the Meeting in his capacity as Head of the GMS Unit. He
reported that the 32nd Annual Meeting emphasized poverty reduction as the overarching
objective of the Bank, and identified human development and regional cooperation as two
among five strategic areas. In the context of the ongoing economic crisis in Asia, there is an
urgent need to improve the social protection system and address the issue of poverty reduction
in the subregional agenda. The activities identified by the WGHRD, namely, education and
training, labor market management, and health services, are largely country-based operations.
However, within these broad areas, there are subregional dimensions that could generate
economies of scale. These include information exchange, HIV/AIDS issues, drug control, labor
migration, vaccine procurement, specialized education and training services, networking among
institutes for higher education and training, and resource mobilization and inter-agency
coordination. In particular, a discussion of ongoing and pipeline projects, both public and
private, and national and foreign-funded, could form the basis for further inter-agency
coordination. Citing the recent meeting in Mukdahan, Thailand, to discuss the East-West
Transport Corridor Project, he informed the Meeting that HRD and skills training were identified
as critical elements for the ultimate success of the economic corridor.
Mr. Edward Haugh, Manager, Education and Health Division (West), ADB, introduced the
context for the Meeting. He explained that the regional economic crisis has set back progress in
the social sectors in GMS countries to varying degrees. Except for Thailand, the other GMS
countries have been affected less directly by the crisis. The Meeting will take stock of the
situation and try to develop an understanding of how the crisis affected the progress of human
development in the subregion. Apart from the impacts of the economic crisis, the Meeting will
also discuss other significant problems such as the spread of HIV/AIDS, the resurgence of drug
resistant tuberculosis and malaria, the spread of illicit drug use, the growing use of tobacco by
the young population, and weak labor markets. He proposed a review of the Working Group's
TOR to focus on activities that are specific, achievable and affordable.
Objectives of the Meeting
Mr. Haugh outlined the objectives of the Meeting as follows: (i) to revitalize the WGHRD so that
it provides an effective forum of exchange of ideas and information on human development
issues in the GMS; (ii) identify and prioritize a package of high priority, achievable and

affordable subregional interventions that promote human development; (iii ) review progress to
date of the WGHRD; (iv) review with the GMS countries, the impact of the Asian economic and
financial crisis on human development in the subregion; (v) discuss and identify possible
subregional approaches to the crisis; (vi) update the WGHRD on the overall direction of the
Bank-sponsored GMS subregional economic cooperation program; (vii) discuss possible
methods of improving coordination among donors active in subregional cooperation; and (viii)
develop an improved HRD framework.
Country Presentations
Each GMS country made a presentation on the prevailing conditions and policies in their health,
education, and labor sectors; the impact of the Asian economic crisis on the social sector and
mitigation measures by the government, and potential areas for subregional cooperation. The
highlights of the country presentations are given below.
Cambodia
The Asian economic crisis changed the fundamentals of domestic economic activity in
Cambodia with people's livelihood being affected by the continued stagnation of the economy.
The fight against poverty is facing huge challenges despite its enormous success until 1996.
Half-reduced earnings of vulnerable workers in the capital city, and high inflation impinged on
the affordability of essential food and medicines. Many poor households were forced to
withdraw their children from schools and many children were forced to work to support the
families, thus increasing the concern for child labor. Enrolment in the lower secondary schools
has dropped, both as a result of the crisis, as well as by other factors such as demographic
change, poor agricultural production, and internally displaced population. In response to these
problems, the government introduced austerity measures on public expenditures, and pursued
reforms in the civil service to reduce the government payroll, and demobilized its security forces.
In education, enhanced skills training, competency in mathematics and science, teacher
training, promoting foreign language training, and programs for assisting the rural poor are the
critical priorities. Post-secondary education and training is considered as a key strategy for
strengthening human resource. In Cambodia, it is recognized that strengthening the skills base
of the population should take place alongside the strengthening of the public service. Training
programs must also be linked to formal education and improved to address the demands of both
the domestic and international labor markets.
Issues in the health sector are caused mainly by structural factors, with only a very limited
number of health personnel remaining after the Khmer Rouge regime. The quality of services is
poor and the distribution is concentrated in the capital cities. Low salaries result in low
motivation, poor performance, and underutilization of health facilities. Cambodia sees the need
to improve the present situation through the reform of the institutional and management
structure, and the development and expansion of its health personnel. A number of priorities are
aimed at meeting the basic health needs of the entire population in order to improve their well
being. In order to meet the reform objective, training priorities (Basic Skills) have been given to
the health staff at the lowest level of core e.g. Minimum Package of Activities (MPA) for health
center staff and Complementary Package of Activities (CPA) for health staff working at district
level.
After the general elections in 1998, the number of factories increased to 174 providing jobs to

more than 100,000 Khmer people generating an average wage income of about $4,000,000 per
month. The Vocational Training Department is the only institution in charge of human resource
development. The role and responsibility of the Department is to run some vocational training
centers aimed at training unskilled people (including the poor, orphans, school dropouts,
demobilized soldiers, and disabled persons). For this purpose, MOSALVY has decided and
planned to transform 11 provincial orphanage centers into vocational training centers. An MOU
signed with the ADB on 3 June 1997 included a plan to build 6 regional centers.
PRC
Although the Asian economic crisis has exerted pressure on China's economic reform efforts,
employment, and social protection systems, its impact has been relatively moderate and
indirect. There was evidence of declining export volumes, underutilization of industrial capacity,
unemployment and low consumer demand, but overall, economic trends were generally
maintained at levels during the last two decades. Economic and social security difficulties were
caused by structural shortcomings rather than by the crisis itself.
In the education sector, there is a mismatch between education and HRD on one hand, and the
needs of economic and social development of the other. Higher education has lagged behind
the requirements of economic development, teaching methods and curriculum content of basic
education have not kept pace with modern trends, and prevailing educational concepts have
hampered the development of vocational education. In addressing these issues, China's
present strategy has placed more emphasis on developing higher education and innovating
basic education targeted at transforming China's population into a viable human resource base.
The economic slowdown resulting from the crisis however, has affected the education sector's
ability to raise funds through multiple channels, especially in the rural areas. The tightening of
the labor market has lowered the demand for college and university graduates, as well as
graduates of secondary vocational schools. Some areas where international cooperation in the
education sector can be explored include: (i) development of joint models for training of high
level professional manpower and managerial personnel; (ii) training for the unemployed; (iii)
education for the poor and the socially-disadvantaged; (iv) improvements in the quality and
effectiveness of education programs and promotion of interdisciplinary exchange; and (v)
development of distance education and centers of excellence. ILO has identified two centers of
excellence in Yunnan Province. One of them, the Yunnan Normal University, is proposed to be
the core of a subregional human resource network and a computer training center for Southeast
Asia.
In the health sector, the structural problems include: (i) reduction of access to health care
especially in the rural areas; (ii) reduction in insurance; and (iii) weaknesses in the health care
delivery and health finance systems. In the next century, new infectious diseases such as
HIV/AIDS will emerge as a serious threat to health; while chronic non-infectious diseases such
as malignant tumor, and cardiovascular and respiratory disease will top the leading causes of
death. From among these issues, HIV/AIDS holds great potential as a priority area for
subregional cooperation. However, a fuller understanding of the relationship between HIV/AIDS
prevention and economic development which would require multi-sectoral cooperation. Limited
skill of medical staff and poor communication, especially in the rural areas remain some of the
key obstacles to HIV/AIDS education.
As regards unemployment resulting from overall output declines, decreasing foreign investment
and exports, and a slowdown in construction, the government pursued fiscal measures,
reemployment programs, training and retraining, and improvements in the social security

systems. The priorities and cooperation areas in the subregion could be (i) job creation by
developing small and medium enterprises; (ii) improvement of labor quality through employment
services, especially training and retraining; (iii) how to maximize the use of the labor market
information network that has been set up in job matching, training and retraining; and (iv)
undertaking of research and studies on the impact of the economic globalization on employment
and social security.
Lao PDR
Despite considerable progress in the social development, Lao PDR is still encountering limited
development of human resources. Economic growth has not permeated the rural areas,
resulting in wide rural-urban disparities in health, education and access to services.
Development of human resources remains limited, which in turn results in underutilization of
services and continued low productivity. Education issues include the provision of basic
education for all (especially for girls and ethnic minorities); improved access to schools for rural
dwellers, and the development of skilled labor force. Health issues include the need for
provision of adequate health care and medical services, malaria prevention, improvements in
child and maternal health, improvements in nutrition, continuing education on and treatment for
STDs, (including for HIV/AIDS), and drug education. In the labor sector, issues include
developing a trained labor force, requiring increasingly diverse skills, especially in information
technology areas, maintenance of adequate salaries.
The Asian economic crisis reversed some of the gains in the social development sector in Lao
PDR. Increase in drug prices have affected morbidity and mortality rates; financial difficulties
have resulted in delays in the construction of school buildings, and the cost of sending children
to school have imposed higher burden on families. In response to these adverse consequences,
the government has taken measures to reduce inflation, encouraged public health workers to
intensify their activities among the grassroots population, expand education to the rural areas
and promote private sector participation in the national educational development. Poverty
alleviation is being addressed through urban and rural employment creation and training for
small enterprises.
In terms of areas for subregional cooperation, three specific priority areas were identified: (i)
drug eradication and control; (ii) HIV/AIDS treatment and control; and (iii) skills development.
The integration of HIV/AIDS/STD and drug prevention issues into the primary and secondary
curriculum and the development of related instructional materials were proposed. In addition,
regional cooperation on skills development could supplement domestic efforts to diversify skills
that are in demand in the world market. The development of labor market information could
provide a basis for planning skills development.
Myanmar
The impact of the financial crisis on Myanmar has been indirect and without dramatic
consequences, unlike some of its neighboring countries. Secondary effects however, were
experienced in terms of lower foreign direct investment and higher rates of inflation. Despite the
unfavorable economic and investment climate, the economy grew by 5 percent in 1998-1999.
The crisis almost had no impact on the health and education sectors.
The government remains committed to the development of human resources, and the promotion
of rights of workers, women and children. Plans and programs are in place to implement the
goal of "Education for All for the Year 2001", focusing on narrowing the education gaps between

male and female and rural and urban population. Special attention has also been given to
upgrading the skills of the labor force. Myanmar has also cooperated with various international
organizations to improve HRD planning, develop a labor information network, and promote
centers of excellence in vocational training in the GMS.
Myanmar has continued to emphasize the provision of equitable health care using a primary
health care approach as part of its national policy. The approach involves promoting joint
ventures and private sector participation in health care delivery and alternative health care
financing. Programs for the development of women have emphasized the promotion of business
for women. Measures to promote the quality of life in the remote border areas are undertaken
with the help of non-governmental and other international organizations. An important initiative
is the drug eradication program, consisting of measures to eliminate poppy cultivation, and
provide alternative means of livelihood through cash crop substitution.
Thailand
The regional economic crisis has had notable impact on Thailand, resulting in displacement of
workers, increased unemployment, increased dropout rates, reduction in the financial viability of
private schools, and higher poverty levels. To mitigate the negative social consequences of the
crisis, economic reforms were taken expeditiously by the Government in accordance with IMFled policy guidelines. It was recognized that ineffective investment in the social sectors and
Thailand's relatively weak human resource base have been major contributors to the economic
downturn.
In the area of labor and social welfare, government priorities were given to the following areas:
(i) support for laid-off workers and the unemployed: (ii) protection of the poor in the informal
sector through more effective poverty alleviation programs; (iii) promotion of private sector
investment in training; and (iv) improvements in competitiveness of the labor force. A sevenpoint action plan, focusing among others, on employment creation, was also implemented. To
protect the poor, the budget for health services was increased, and assistance schemes were
expanded to cover even those who are not employed in the formal sector. Other measures
included: (i) strengthening of health insurance schemes, particularly for the low income and
underprivileged groups; (ii) improving the quality of health care services; (iii) encouraging the
private sector to play a role in health care services; (iv) increasing the number of health
personnel to meet future requirements, and improving their motivation; (v) strengthening the
referral system to increase the use of resources at various levels. In the education sector, policy
priorities include: (i) reduction in the incidence of drop-out rates; (ii) improvements in the quality
of priority education programs through better allocation of resources; (iii) rationalization and
decentralization of the bureaucracy; (iv) financial and management decentralization; and (v)
promotion of private sector investment in the provision of education and training.
Several priority issues for subregional issues were identified. These include: (i) the need to
regularize cross-border interactions in the GMS in the area of labor movements; (ii) promotion of
production-related investment, especially along the well-defined GMS economic corridors,
through among others, co-production schemes based on the countries' comparative advantage;
in this regard, technical skills training and national skills standards will be required; (iii)
prevention and control of communicable diseases (such as malaria) along border areas; and (iv)
strengthening disease surveillance in the GMS countries. The need for a regional technical
assistance facility to support the implementation of priority GMS projects was observed.

Viet Nam
Unemployment has been the major consequence in Viet Nam of the Asian economic crisis.
Unemployment and underemployment rates have increased as many enterprises retrenched
workers. Underemployment was prevalent in the rural areas and seasonal labor migration has
intensified. The decline in foreign investment flows is major factor that contributed to
unemployment and higher incidence of poverty. Following the economic crisis, government
intensified efforts to create new jobs, maintain existing jobs for workers, and protect the more
vulnerable groups through more effective programs in health care, education, and employment
and poverty alleviation. Vocational education also received support from the government as well
as international institutions, including the ADB.
One of the most important lessons from the crisis was the need to upgrade education and
training systems. Among the priority issues to be addressed are: (i) prevention of illiteracy; (ii)
promotion of universal lower secondary education; (iii) improvements in educational quality; (iv)
standardization and internationalization of certificates and degrees; (v) curriculum improvement;
and (vi) focus on the training of middle-level manpower (e.g. technicians and engineers). In the
health sector, the medium-term targets for improving life expectancy, infant, child and maternal
mortality, and nutrition levels have been well-defined. At present, the government is
encouraging foreign investment in the health sector through joint ventures in hospitals, special
techniques for curative care.
Subregional cooperation in HRD was proposed in several areas. These include: (i)
strengthening national capacities to monitor and evaluate the employment implications of
macroeconomic policies; (ii) developing a regional employment scheme in the informal sector to
promote self-employment; (iii) improvements in food inspection facilities as the borders; (iv)
control and prevention of HIV/AIDS/STD especially among migrant workers across the borders;
(v) control of malaria and other communicable disease among the borders; and (vi)
standardization and internationalization of certificates and degrees, training technicians, and
middle-level manpower.
Discussion on the Country Presentations
The Chair summarized the recurring themes in the country presentations that could be further
considered for regional collaboration. These are (i) the situation of ethnic minorities and other
vulnerable people; (ii) the spread of HIV/AIDS; (iii) labor market issues, including information
systems; (iv) skills training and vocational education; (v) cooperation with the private sector; (vi)
development of centers of excellence; and (vii) strengthening partnerships with other external
donors.
Review of Subregional Cooperation in HRD
Overview
Mr. Edward Haugh gave an overview of cooperation in the GMS HRD. He reviewed: (i) the TOR
of the WGHRD; (ii) the status of the three flagship projects; and (iii) the status of other priority
projects. He emphasized the need to ensure the TOR of the Working Group are achievable,
implementable and affordable. In particular, the task of the WG to monitor and assist
coordination and implementation of priority subregional projects might best be limited to those
undertaken in the HRD sector. The role of the WGHRD to serve as venue for addressing the

human resource requirements of subregional projects in other sectors may be difficult to carry
out due to limited resources.
The three flagship programs endorsed during the Inception Meeting of the WGHRD were
reviewed and prospects for further development and implementation assessed. For the Centers
of Excellence Network completed under RETA 5681, the WGHRD will have to decide on the
next steps. Health Surveillance and Information Sharing Across Border Areas is a rather broad
area which should be coordinated with WHO. As regards HIV/AIDS, a Bank technical
assistance to mitigate the epidemic is planned in 1999, following the identification of 18
HIV/AIDS project proposals in an earlier phase. Technical Skills Training (with components on
subregional training centers, small-scale training packages, etc,) would require loan financing;
the Bank is already engaged in training activities in individual GMS countries.
Other priority areas identified during the Inception Meeting included: (i) improving educational
access in border areas; (ii) an annual workshop on employment promotion in the GMS; (iii)
leadership on primary health care; (iv) vaccine production; and (v) health sector financing.
Elements of these priority areas have been addressed in projects that have either been
completed or ongoing. A project on Cooperation in Employment Promotion and Training in GMS
Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS has been completed in 1997. A RETA for Strengthening
Capacity for Addressing the Health and Education Needs of Ethnic Minorities in the GMS is
ongoing. A project on prevention of HIV/AIDS in the GMS is scheduled for approval in 1999, and
one on capacity building for higher education is scheduled for approval in 2001. A study of
vaccine financing requirements in the GMS was also completed and is available to the GMS
countries for further consideration.
Cooperation in Employment Promotion and Training
The project was completed in 1997. Its major outcomes included the sharing of expertise in the
development of subregional skills standards and testing and certification, adoption of GMS
accreditation criteria for technical and vocational training institutions; and development of a
network of centers of excellence. Follow-on activities in these areas would be required at the
level of the GMS countries.
Strengthening Capacity for Addressing the Health and Education Needs of Ethnic
Minorities
Mr. Indu Bhushan, Project Economist, AWEH, ADB, reported the current status of the project on
the study of the Health and Education Needs of Ethnic Minorities which was approved by the
Bank in June 1998 in the amount of $850,000. The Bank and the United Kingdom are
cofinancing the project. The focus on ethnic minorities, which constitute a large proportion of the
GMS human resource base, is needed to protect the most vulnerable groups, while at the same
time promoting sustainable development. The long-term objective of the project is to improve
human development in the GMS countries by identifying the special needs of ethnic minorities,
and sharing them with decision-makers. The project is ongoing and will be completed by August
2000.
GMS Program on HIV/AIDS
Mr. Myo Thant, Senior Programs Officer, PW3, ADB reported on the completion of the GMS
Program on HIV/AIDS which established a framework for sustaining HIV/AIDS initiatives on a
subregional basis and promote regional confidence in HIV/AIDS cooperation. Eighteen (18)

project proposals have been identified based on extensive consultations with the GMS
countries. Project selection focused on implementability, emphasis on knowledge, mutual
learning, information sharing. Resources are being sought for the implementation of these
projects, which were identified through AusAID assistance.
The 18 proposals were categorized into five groups. Group I deals with policy, human resource
development and institutional structures for promoting effective interventions on HIV/AIDS.
Group II proposals focus on the role of NGOs and the economic determinants of women's
vulnerability to the epidemic in the GMS. Group III projects involve private sector participation.
Group IV proposals are about safe blood, involving both aspects of demand and supply, as well
as intravenous drug use. Group V projects concern various aspects of care for people with
AIDS, including cost-effective treatments using both conventional and new technologies.
Mr. Indu Bhushan, ADB informed the Meeting that a regional technical assistance (RETA)
project for preventing HIV/AIDS in the GMS is being developed and is targeted for approval in
1999. The RETA has the following objectives: (i) identify migration patterns, characteristics, and
knowledge, attitudes and practices related to the HIV/AIDS of migrant workers; (ii) develop and
information, education, and communication (IEC) plan for HIV/AIDS prevention among migrant
workers in the GMS countries; and (iii) develop guidelines and toolkits for integrating HIV/AIDS
prevention activities in infrastructure projects where large number of migrant workers are
expected to work. The project cost is estimated at US$850,000. The Meeting endorsed the
project on HIV/AIDS being developed by the Bank as addressing an important priority concern
in the region.
Regional Programs for Human Resource Development
Mekong Institute
Prof. Vanchai Vatansapt, Director, and Mr. John Askwith, Course Director of the Mekong
Institute briefed the Meeting on the underlying philosophy of the Institute (the "Greater Mekong
spirit"), its objectives, programs, and accomplishments to date. The Governments of Thailand
and New Zealand are jointly funding the Mekong Institute. The Institute is involved both in
training and research, and conducts courses in both economic and non-economic fields (e.g.
tourism, HRD, etc.)
A specific proposal was tabled by Prof. Vanchai regarding the HRD needs for Route 9, a
component of the East West Transport Corridor Project. HRD gaps in the development of the
corridor were identified, namely: (i) inaccessibility of local people to resources and information;
(ii) untapped local potential to cope with job requirements, generated by different activities within
the corridor; and (iii) the need for an information system linked through reliable and up-to-date
technology. Dr. Vanchai identified the specific contributions that could be provided by the
Institute to address these gaps. He proposed a symposium to discuss the need for regional
cooperation on HRD in the East-West Transport Corridor as an input to concrete
recommendations that could be presented to the 9th Ministerial Conference.
The Mekong River Commission (MRC)
Mr. Suchat Katima, Human Resources Development Unit, MRC, described three basic
programs, namely, the Basin Development Plan, the Water Utilization Program, and Sustainable
Development that form of the core of the Commission's activities. As regards HRD, programs of

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the MRC are concerned with increasing intellectual capacity, promoting teamwork and building
confidence among the countries in the Mekong Basin. It conducts a number of capacity-building
activities in collaboration with other donors.
UNAIDS
Mr. Geoff Manthey, Country Programme Adviser, UNAIDS Cambodia, described UNAIDS
operations at the national, regional and global levels. He focused on the activities of the AsiaPacific Country Team at the regional level, which supports cross-border, multi-country
interventions to add value to efforts at the national level. Activities at the regional level are in the
areas of drug use, prevention, mobile populations, advocacy and information exchange.
UNAIDS is also working closely with other regional and international organizations such as
ASEAN, UNDP, UNICEF, Asian Red Cross, and GTZ.
UNDCP
Mr. Sanong Chinnanon, Institutional and HRD Specialist, UNDCP, explained UNDCP's mission
to promote concerted action against illicit drug production, trafficking, and consumption. An
MOU involving the six GMS countries has been signed and provided the framework for 12
subregional project initiatives. UNDCP takes a comprehensive approach to the problem of drugs
which involves (i) reduction in demand and supply, (ii) law enforcement; and (iii) prevention of
drug trafficking. HRD strategies and methods used in the subregional drug control projects were
also presented to the Meeting.
UNESCO
Mr. Supote Prasertsri, Representative, UNESCO identified the areas where the organization is
actively involved, namely education; the promotion of science as the foundation of development,
with special focus on indigenous technology; information and communications; protection and
preservation of culture, including the preserving world heritage sites and biosphere reserves;
and the promotion of human and social sciences through information exchange, training, and
research. He stressed the importance of building the Culture of Peace in nations, as well as in
the minds of people in order to prevent war and conflict.
UNICEF
Ms. Carroll Long, Deputy Regional Director, UNICEF, cited a number of UNICEF-supported
regional and subregional projects in the areas of nutrition, safe motherhood, and HIV/AIDS
(focusing on mother to child transmission), malaria prevention, immunization and vaccine
access, early childhood care and development protection of children and women, and
education,. Several of these initiatives have been pursued in collaboration with various donors,
including ADB. She stressed the importance and usefulness of regional cooperation as a
strategy for action, but also cautioned on the difficulties. Clarity of roles and expectations are
essential, and requisite institutional capacities must be in place to ensure that regional work
adds value to national efforts and maximizes the comparative advantage of all entities involved.
She identified ethnic minority issues, HIV/AIDS, migration and protection issues, as examples of
areas appropriate for regional cooperation.
WHO

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Ms. Bronwyn Hine, WHO Consultant in HRD in Cambodia, described the Human Resources for
Health Programme which seeks to promote health for all through skilled policy advice and
technical support for health work force planning, development and management. Priority
activities are in the areas of health workforce planning in the context of health sector reform;
health workforce production including distance education; standards and appropriate use of
health personnel; and health workforce management. Some of the activities in these areas
include fellowships, study tours for policy and decision-makers, and technical assistance. WHO
works towards the development of human resources for health in partnership with governments,
multilateral, bilateral, and nongovernment organizations, training and research organizations,
and professional associations.
Future Agenda
The Economic Corridor Concept and Its Implications for HRD
Mr. Myo Thant, ADB, explained that the concept of economic corridors was developed to
provide spatial focus to areas with the highest economic potential and where private sector
investment is likely to succeed. At the 8th Ministerial Meeting, five routes have been identified
with potential for development as economic corridors; the most advanced among these is the
East West Transport Corridor which spans Mukdahan (Thailand), Savannakhet (Lao PDR) and
Da Nang (Viet Nam). Employment growth along the corridors will result in higher incomes,
which in turn will increase demand for health and educational services. To maximize the impact
of economic corridors, it is important that basic needs be provided in the short-term, and labor
productivity be improved in the medium-term. Over the longer-term, endogenous growth is
needed to sustain the viability of economic corridors. The challenge for the GMS countries is to
begin the process of using the economic corridor framework for planning future regional
cooperation activities. More specifically, there is need to integrate HRD concerns, including
labor migration issues, into the planning process for economic corridors. The private sector will
be an important driving force in the development of the corridors, including for HRD
interventions. Targeted interventions for some ethnic groups may be required and new
economic roles for certain towns (e.g. Da Nang) have to be considered. Cooperation in labor
standards, and the establishment of a university network are potential activities that the GMS
countries could pursue along the corridors.
In the discussion that followed the presentation, Cambodia raised the need to address different
road regulations along the corridor. Bank informed the Meeting that in the case of the East West
Transport Corridor, this issue is being addressed through cross-border agreements among the
three countries involved. The Bank is providing technical assistance to support the studies and
processes involved in negotiating and concluding the cross-border agreement. The
representative from GTZ pointed out the need to also consider environmental issues along the
corridors, citing that these also have implications on human development. On the whole, the
Meeting felt the need to integrate the mainstream objectives of the Working Group into the
economic corridor strategy.
A Framework Strategy for Subregional Cooperation in HRD
The Framework Strategy for Subregional Cooperation on HRD was discussed. The Meeting
considered a proposal tabled by ADB to change the title of the Working Group to become the
Working Group on Human Development (WGHD). This shift is intended to avoid confusion, add
clarity, and promote consistency with the Bank's overarching goal of poverty reduction and

12

human development. The Meeting decided not to change the title but to highlight the focus of
human development.
The Meeting agreed that the Working Group would be guided by the following principles: (i) it
will be pragmatic and results-oriented; (ii) concentration will focus on human development
issues in education, health, and labor markets; (iii) focus will continue to be on issues with
subregional implications; (iv) there should be synergy created by addressing issues on a
regional basis; and (v) HRD projects should promote complementarity with national programs.
The Working Group will prepare an annual work plan, identifying specific key responsibilities
and resource requirements. Over the long-term, the Working Group should endeavor to
gradually shift responsibility to the GMS countries themselves.
Setting Priorities for Subregional Cooperation in HRD
Two discussion groupsone on health and education, and another on labor marketswere
organized to consider (i) the proposed areas of focus of the Working Group; (ii) partnerships
with external agencies; and (iii) the elements of the annual work plan. Based on the Groups'
discussions, the following were endorsed.
1. Areas of Concentration
Areas of concentration of the WGHRD will be on education (networking of universities and
centers of academic excellence, distance education, and basic education for ethnic minorities);
health (HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, dengue fever, drug abuse, vaccines, information sharing and
policy research on malnutrition); vulnerable groups (mobile populations, ethnic minorities, and
people in border areas); and labor market (information, skills development, vocational training,
skills standards and certification, centers of excellence, labor mobility, and private sector
mobilization).
2. Partnerships with External Funding Agencies and Other Institutions
Partnerships would be promoted with external funding agencies (ILO, UNAIDS, UNDCP, UNDP,
UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO etc.); regional institutions (the Mekong Institute, MRC); and
bilateral donors (e.g. Germany, Japan). Partnerships with these institutions for regional projects,
however, should not be at the expense of bilateral assistance.
Work Plan 1999-2000
Key elements of the work plan for 1999/2000 would include the following Bank-supported
initiatives: (i) completion of the project on education and health needs of ethnic minorities; (ii)
initiation of a new project on prevention of HIV/AIDS in the GMS; (iii) continued exploration of
the means to improve the availability of vaccines; and (iv) follow-up on the completed project on
cooperation in employment promotion. In addition, the social implications of the economic
corridors concept will be examined, and in this regard, the Meeting accepted the offer of the
Mekong Institute to handle preliminary work in this area and report to the 9th Ministerial
Meeting. The feasibility of establishing a website to continuously disseminate information on the
Working Group's activities will be explored.
Concluding Session

13

Date and Venue of the Next Meeting

The Meeting proposed that the next meeting be held in Kunming, Yunnan Province, PRC, in
July 2000. The delegation from the PRC welcomed the proposal and indicated that after
consultations with the concerned authorities, the venue will be confirmed in due course. The
themes for the next Meeting would be Human Development Needs of Ethnic Minorities and
Social Dimensions of Transport Corridors.
Closing Remarks
Mr. Someth Suos, ADB, expressed appreciation to the Royal Government of Cambodia, in
particular, the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports for the excellent arrangements made for
the Meeting. He enjoined the participants from the GMS countries to forge even stronger
cooperation in human resource development in order to meet future demands of economic
growth and globalization. He also thanked the representatives of international organizations and
looked forward to effective and fruitful partnerships with them in pursuing the goals of human
development in the region.
In his closing remarks, His Excellency, Mr. Pok Than, thanked all the participants for the
extensive and productive exchange of views on human development. He emphasized that the
regardless of the area of focus, the key is to forge stronger linkages and cooperation at all
levelsat the inter-ministerial level within the respective governments; between the
governments and the international agencies; and among the GMS countries. He expressed the
hope that the GMS countries would continue the process of building trust, confidence and
friendship as a basis for cooperation.

14
Appendix 1

List of Participants
GMS Countries
Cambodia
H.E. Pok Than, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
H.E. Ou Orhat, Secretary of State, Ministry of Planning
Mr. Chhay Aun, Deputy General Director of Directorate General of Administration and Finance,
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
Mr. Seng Kan, Chief of Management and Monitoring Aid Unit of Planning Department, Ministry
of Education, Youth and Sports
Mr. Hoeung Sophan, Deputy Director, Vocational Training Department, Ministry of Social
Affairs, Labors, Vocational Training and Youth Rehabilitation
Ms. Keat Phuong, Deputy Director of Human Resource Department, Ministry of Health
Ms. Heang Siekly, Deputy Director General, Directorate General of Planning, Ministry of
Planning
Mr. Nuth ChanSokha, Director, International Relation Department, Ministry of Planning
People's Republic of China
Mr. Gao Weizhong, Director, Division of Policy Research, Ministry of Health
Ms. Lu Xiaoping, Deputy Director, International Department, Ministry of Labor and Social
Security
Ms. Xiao Yan, Deputy Director, Ministry of Education
Ms. Zheng Ping, Officer, GMS Office of Yunnan Province
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Dr. Somchanh Xaisida, Chief, Division of Human Resources Department, Department of
Organization and Personal, Ministry of Public Health
Mr. Souvannachak Vaigna, Chief of Employment Promotion and Skills, Department of Labor,
Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare
Dr. Khamliene Pholsena, Deputy Director, Department of Planning, State Planning Committee
Mr. Daovong Vongsay, Deputy Director, Department of Planning and Cooperation, Ministry of
Education
Myanmar
U Tin Aung Win, Director, Ministry of Labour
U Ye Myint, Director, Planning Department, Ministry of National Planning and Economic
Development
Dr. Daw Swe, Deputy Director, Department of Medical Science, Ministry of Health
U Saw Han Shein, Vice Principal, Pha-an Degree College, Department of Higher Education,
(Lower Myanmar), Ministry of Education
U Maung Wai, Counsellor, Embassy of Myanmar, Cambodia

15

Thailand
Dr. Somsong Rugpoa, Senior Expert in Preventive Medicine, Office of the Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Public Health
Mr. Pattarachai Teerapatsakul, Director of Planning Division, Department of Vocational
Education, Ministry of Education
Mr. Pairat Lumyong, Director of Alien Occupational Control Division, Department of
Employment, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare
Mr. Vudhisit Viryasiri, Chief of Regional Project and European Union Sub-division, External
Cooperation Division 2, Department of Technical and Economic Cooperation
Mrs. Roosukon Kangvallert, Senior Policy and Plan Analyst, Bureau of Health, Policy and
Planning, Ministry of Public Health
Mr. Damrong Saengkaweelert, Deputy Director, Regional Development Cooperation Committee
Office (REDCCO), National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB)
Ms. Sumitra Pooltong, Assistant Director, REDCCO, NESDB
Viet Nam
Mr. Doan Mau Diep, Deputy Director, Labor and Employment Policy Department, Ministry of
Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Thuong, Deputy Director, Planning Department, Ministry of Health
Mr. Ho Minh Chien, Deputy Director, Labor, Culture and Social Affairs Department, Ministry of
Planning and Investment
Mr. Nguyen Ba Can, Senior Officer, Planning and Finance Department, Ministry of Education
and Training
Observers
Germany
Mr. Hagen Dirksen, Rural Development Adviser - Asia, Deutsche Gessellschaft fr Technische
Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH
International Labour Organisation (ILO)
Mr. David Salter, ILO Chief Technical Advisor, Labour Based Rural Infrastructure Rehabilitation
Project
Mekong Institute
Prof. Vanchai Vatanasapt, Director
Mr. John Askwith, Course Director
Mekong River Commission
Mr. Suchat Katima, Chief, Human Resources Development Unit
UNAIDS Asia-Pacific Intercountry Team
Mr. Geoff Manthey, Country Programme Adviser, UNAIDS in Cambodia
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
Ms. Carroll Long, Deputy Regional Director

16

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Mr. Chamroen Ouch, Programme Officer in Cambodia
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Mr. Supote Prasertsri, Representative (Cambodia)
United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP)
Mr. Sanong Chinnanon, Institutional and Human Resources Development Specialist
World Health Organization (WHO)
Ms. Bronwyn Hine, WHO Consultant in Human Resource Development in Cambodia
Asian Development Bank
Mr. Edward Haugh, Manager, Education, Health and Population Division - West (AWEH)
Mr. Someth Suos, Resident Representative, Cambodia Resident Mission
Mr. Toru Tatara, Head, GMS Unit, Programs Department - West, Division 3 (PW3)
Mr. Myo Thant, Senior Programs Officer, PW3
Mr. Indu Bhushan, Project Economist, AWEH

17
Appendix 2
Program and Agenda

Chairperson:

Mr. Edward Haugh

Manager, Education, Health and Population West (AWEH)
Division Asian Development Bank

Co-Chairperson:

H.E. Mr. Pok Than

Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
Royal Government of Cambodia

Day 1, 1 June 1999

Session I - Introduction
0800-0830

Registration

0830-0845

Welcome Remarks
H.E. Mr. Toh Lah
Deputy Prime Minister, and
Minister of Education, Youth and Sports
Royal Government of Cambodia
Mr. Someth Suos
Resident Representative, Cambodia Resident Mission
Asian Development Bank
Mr. Toru Tatara
Head, GMS Unit
Asian Development Bank

0845-0900

Objectives of the Meeting

Mr. Edward Haugh
Manager, AWEH, ADB

Session II - Country Presentations

0900-1000

Country Presentations
Cambodia

18
People's Republic of China

1000-1020

Coffee Break

1020-1220

Country Presentations (continued)

1220-1400

Lao PDR
Myanmar
Thailand
Viet Nam

Lunch

Session III - Stocktaking

1400-1500

Review of Subregional Cooperation in HRD

Overview
Mr. Edward Haugh
Manager, AWEH, ADB
Cooperation in Employment Promotion and Training Strengthening
Capacity for Addressing Health and Education Needs of Ethnic Minorities
Mr. Indu Bhushan
Project Economist
AWEH, ADB
GMS Program on HIV/AIDS
Mr. Myo Thant
Senior Programs Officer
Programs Department (West) Division 3 (PW3), ADB

1500-1520

Coffee Break

1520-1700

Regional Programs for Human Resource Development

The Mekong Institute

Mekong River Commission
UNAIDS
UNDCP
UNESCO
UNICEF
WHO

Discussion

19

Day 2, 2 June 1999

Session IV - Future Agenda
0900-0930

The Economic Corridor Concept and its Implications for HRD

Mr. Myo Thant
Senior Programs Officer
PW3, ADB
Discussion

0930-1000

A Framework Strategy for Subregional Cooperation in Human Resource

Development
Mr. Edward Haugh
Manager, AWEH, ADB

1000-1030

Comments on the Framework Strategy

Country Delegations
Observers

1030-1045

Coffee Break

1045-1145

Setting Priorities for Subregional Cooperation in HRD (Two Discussion

Groups will be formed: Health and Education/Labor Markets. These
groups will discuss potential subregional projects and activities, using the
Framework Strategy for Subregional Cooperation in HRD.)

1145-1215

Presentation of Discussion Group Recommendations: Priority Areas for

the WGHRD

1215-1330

Lunch

Session V - Conclusion
1500-1600

Outline of Report to the Ministerial Conference and Adoption of the

Summary of Proceedings
Mr. Edward Haugh
Manager, AWEH, ADB

1600-1630

Closing Remarks
Mr. Someth Suos
Resident Representative, Cambodia Resident Mission
Asian Development Bank

20
H.E. Mr. Pok Than
Secretary of State
Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports
Royal Government of Cambodia