Making the Case: Effective Public Participation is Good for Business in the Mekong Region

This report attempts to fill this gap by sharing conversations with company representatives with business in one or more Mekong country (Cambodia, Laos PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam). The intention is to contribute information and insight for “making the business case” for those companies considering whether more meaningful engagement with stakeholders is worth the cost. It is also intended to be used by NGOs and other interested stakeholders who are seeking examples of good business practice in the context of the Mekong region which can aid in efforts to incentivize companies to improve stakeholder engagement throughout the EIA process. This report does not attempt to claim that the practices highlighted here are “best” or could not be improved for more effective and meaningful participation.