Larger role seen for China

Neighbors expected to agree on growth agendas during Mekong summit

Experience in sustainable development, close economic ties and proximity to the Greater Mekong Subregion will help China play an increasingly important role in the area's development, officials and analysts predicted on the eve of a key meeting that will be attended by Premier Li Keqiang.

The Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation summit in Bangkok on Friday and Saturday, focusing on "inclusive and sustainable development", is set to endorse a number of initiatives, including a Regional Investment Framework (2013-22) and the Implementation Plan (2014-18).