The Mekong River, the 12th longest river in the world, has a total length of 4,880km. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and runs through Yunnan Province of China, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The basin supports over a population of 50 million, and is one of the most diverse and productive freshwater ecosystems in the world. The major issue relating to water resources in the basin is an equitable water distribution and sustainable development.

Based on the agreement made in 1995, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) was reorganized from an assistance agency to a coordination agency, and its efforts are focused on three major programs; the Water Utilization Program, the Basin Development Program and the Environment Program. CTII has provided technical assistance in these activities since 2001 by studying the flow regime of the Mekong River system, preparing the draft rules for water usage, and supporting to strengthen the institutional framework and capacity development.