wenty new border crossings will be opened between Cambodia and Vietnam as part of

an agreement between the two governments to expand cross-border and bilateral trade.

They have also agreed to establish seven special economic zones along their border,

according to a Xinhua news report.

In 2006, trade between the two countries could be worth $900 million, according to

official figures. Vietnam's deputy minister of trade said that with both countries

cooperating more, the figure could be $1 billion in 2007.

Phnom Penh Chamber of Commerce President Kith Meng said he hoped the new efforts,

would improve the imbalance in exports between the two countries.

He said in 2005 Cambodia spent $180 million on Vietnamese imports, but earned only

$46 million in exports to Vietnam.