GMS member countries deliberate on introduction of single visa for 6 countries

Aug 3, 2011
(Xinhua)

YANGON -- Six countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) -- China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam will make discussions on introducing single visa for the member countries at GMS travel show to be held in Myanmar later this year, according to tourism circle Wednesday.

Organised by the Tourism working group of the GMS, the travel show will be held in the ancient city of Bagan for development of tourism as part of its economic cooperation in the subregion.

Food show will also be attached with the travel show.

The 4,500-km Mekong river originates from China's Qinghai and runs through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam down to South China Sea near Ho Chi Minh city.

Myanmar, a member of the six-country GMS, has worked for closer economic ties together with other members of the grouping.

According to statistics, the number of tourist arrivals in Myanmar reached over 140,000 in the first four months of 2011, up about 30,000 from over 109,000 in 2010 correspondingly,

Most of the tourists arrived through Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports as well as through Muse and Tachileik border points by road respectively.

Visitors from China stood top in Myanmar 's tourist arrivals, followed by those from Germany, Spain, Norway, Thailand, Cambodia and India.