Having worked in the business world for over 20 years, I understand well the paramount importance of trusted partners in coming together to achieve a common goal. Whether you are negotiating a high-stakes business deal or building a regional power grid, success hinges on the integrity of those with whom you choose to work. Building on a relationship spanning two centuries, this week Thailand and the United States took an important step forward to work even closer together, elevating our already strong and dynamic relationship.
On Friday, along with Deputy Prime Minister Don Pramudwinai and officials from the four other countries in the lower Mekong basin, the United States launched the new Mekong-US Partnership, which will build on decades of collaboration and $3.5 billion (110 billion baht) in US assistance provided under the Lower Mekong Initiative over the past 11 years. In upgrading our efforts with the Mekong-US Partnership, the United States will support even greater connectivity and development in the region for years to come. With more than $150 million in regional initiatives already in the pipeline, our cooperation through this partnership will expand to include the full range of economic, security, governance, health and environmental efforts -- a fitting approach to collectively address shared challenges in the region, from devastating drought to drug trafficking.
No other country is better positioned to reap the rewards of this enhanced partnership than Thailand, where our two countries came together over 200 years ago to foster a friendship based on trust, transparency and mutual benefit. Thailand, already a regional centre for trade and investment, has much to gain from a more resilient Mekong region with improved infrastructure and enhanced capacity to mitigate security, health, and environmental challenges. Working side by side last week, high-level officials from our two countries signalled our mutual commitment to making that a reality through this new partnership.
Mekong nations, including Thailand, deserve reliable partners like the United States to support their development aspirations. Foreign investment should facilitate high-standard infrastructure projects that bring economic prosperity and create new jobs, utilise local -- not imported -- talent, and have zero-tolerance for predatory contract arrangements. Such support shouldn't come with corruption, burdensome debt, or exploitative concessions. For example, the US International Development Finance Corporation has already invested $1 billion in Southeast Asia and aims to invest and catalyze billions more in Mekong infrastructure in the coming years. In addition, the US Infrastructure Transaction and Assistance Network will bolster the ability of countries in the region to implement sustainable, transparent and high-quality infrastructure projects that bring the most value to the populations of the Mekong region.
Thai leaders understand these tradeoffs. I recently spoke with Thailand's newly appointed Energy Minister, Supattanapong Punmeechaow, who outlined Thailand's vision to become a regional energy hub. The US will support this vision through the Asia Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy (Edge) initiative to increase regional energy trade, access to capital, and private sector engagement.
It is not just the United States that offers a principled partnership. Friends and partners like Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and India have come together to bolster the Mekong region's security, economic growth, environmental protection, good governance, and cooperative values through dynamic new relationships. For example, the Japan-US-Mekong Power Partnership provides Mekong countries with resources to increase regional electricity trade, with an initial US commitment of $29.5 million.
Our new partnership recognises that overcoming the complex challenges facing the Mekong region will require strong cooperation. The Mekong-US Partnership will continue to safeguard the health of the Mekong River, which supports the livelihoods of 60 million people. Accordingly, the United States will maintain support for the Mekong River Commission (MRC). We strongly support sharing of year-round water data using the MRC's existing platforms, including flow release data from upstream infrastructure projects. When managing a river that transcends national boundaries, transparency is key. While the Mekong River brings life, it can also be a conduit for smuggling by transnational criminal organisations. To help our Mekong friends counter these cross-border crimes, the United States is providing $54 million, complementing ongoing and planned assistance from Australia, to fight the trafficking of people, drugs, natural resources, and wildlife.
This past year our nations have been reminded that we must work together to successfully overcome the challenges of our time. Some countries have exploited this period of uncertainty for their own advantage. The United States recognised the opportunity to work together to build a stronger, more prosperous Mekong region. As with any ground-breaking venture, if we endeavour to achieve success, then our two nations, along with partners in the region, must forge new agreements that affirm our enduring friendship and demonstrate our commitment to a united future.
Michael George DeSombre is US Ambassador to Thailand.