Authorities in the provinces of Banteay Meanchey and Prey Veng in Cambodia and Dong Thap in Vietnam are committed to further strengthening and developing multi-sectoral cooperation, especially on trade, investment and business, public works and transport, for the benefit of the people of both of the neighbouring countries.
Banteay Meanchey provincial governor Um Reatrey and Prey Veng provincial governor Chea Somethy led delegations from their respective provincial administrations on a two-day visit to Dong Thap on January 18-19.
During the visit, the two governors met with Pham Thiev Gnia, deputy secretary of the Provincial Communist Party of Vietnam and Chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee, and Kieu Che Lam, Deputy Chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial Council.
The meeting aimed to strengthen fraternity, solidarity and cooperation between the three provinces in several fields, including defence, trade, education and culture.
Thiev Gnia said the meeting was an auspicious one, as it occurred on the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. He noted that trade volumes through the Dinh Ba-Banteay Chakrei international border crossing and other regional ports now reached a total of nearly $1 billion a year.
“Relations between Dong Thap, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat and Prey Veng provinces have achieved the results we aimed for through multi-sectoral cooperation. We have also provided scholarships to hundreds of Cambodian students on health and agricultural skills,” he added.
Banteay Meanchey provincial governor Um Reatrey said that after a two-year pause of visits, the two sides were now able to resume economic and social activities. Thanks to their successful handling of the global Covid-19 crisis, the two countries have fully reopened their borders.
“The three provinces have developed closer relations, in line with the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) we previously signed. The MoU has proven so successful that the Cambodian side plans to draft and adjust its contents. Officials from the three provinces will find an appropriate time to discuss our proposals and commit to another five years of close relations,” he added.
Logistics and Supply Chain Business Association in Cambodia (Loscba) president Chea Chandara said improved infrastructure and excellent coordination by officials at the Cambodian-Vietnamese borders – especially at the international border crossings – have made it easier for traders to transport goods without hindrance.
“After the government established new international crossings, the transport of goods – especially agricultural produce – has steadily increased between Cambodia and Vietnam. Continued cooperation between the two country’s border authorities will further boost the efficiency of supply chains, which will in turn allow the border economy to grow,” he added.
