Why was the Mekong Committee created in 1957?

The Mekong Committee was established in 1957 by Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and South Vietnam to coordinate the investigation and development of the lower Mekong basin’s resources.1

The committee was created to address the significant economic potential of the river through irrigation and flood control, which allow for increased agricultural productivity, such as the cultivation of multiple crops per year. Furthermore, the committee was tasked with sponsoring scientific investigations and preinvestment studies, as well as undertaking the construction of water projects, including hydroelectric power facilities. By consolidating information and conducting comprehensive research—ranging from hydrologic observations and soil surveys to engineering-feasibility studies—the committee provided a framework for the integrated study and management of the river's resources.12