The consultation, the first of a potential series of similar initiatives by the MRC, will provide an open forum for consultation and dialogue among stakeholders and interest groups on development opportunities and constraints in the Lower Mekong Basin. The discussion will cover how to build a common integrated water resource management based strategy to guide basin development, and how all concerned stakeholders can work together towards poverty reduction and sustainable development of the Basin. The consultation will also help the MRC in soliciting processes to build partnerships with stakeholder, groups and to maintain their engagement in the BDP process.