The Council of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) convened its 13th meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on December 12 with the participation of MRC member countries of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

The agenda of the two-day meeting includes hydro power programmes and drought management with a view to attaining sustainable development in the Mekong basin.

The meeting will approve regulations on using the river's water in order to reduce risks in water quality in the future.

The council has set forth its strategy for the 2006-2010 period, focusing on creating an effective working environment, aiming at bringing more benefits to its member countries, said President of the Vietnam Mekong Committee Cao Duc Phat, adding that 2007 will be a busy year for the council. (VNA)