Cooperation in the GMS is further emboldened by the international support the region enjoys. Here the ADB UNDP and World Bank are major pillars. The ADB, in particular, not only initiated the GMS ministerial conference in 1992 but has also participated in and promoted cooperation in the Mekong with the requisite capital and strength. Such support is not inconsequential, considering that the majority of the Mekong countries are economically underdeveloped.