Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam Leaders Vow to Boost Cooperation against COVID-19 and Strengthen Trade

Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen, Lao PDR Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, and Viet Nam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc held a virtual discussion on 10 March 2021. They lauded their growing relationship and agreed to further strengthen their cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 and in other sectors, including connectivity, energy, and trade and investment.  

Lao PDR expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s medical supply donation to help them combat COVID-19.  

The three leaders pledged to boost cooperation in facilitating trade and investment activities and easing the entry of people and goods via border checkpoints. They agreed to resume international flights among their countries to boost trade and facilitate movement among their people.  

The trilateral meeting also discussed accelerating the implementation of the Cambodia-Lao PDR-Viet Nam Economic Connectivity Plan up to 2030, emphasizing the need to mobilize resources from development partners to construct the Hanoi-Vientiane Highway, the Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway, and the Phnom Penh-Ho Chi Minh Railway.  

The ADB-supported Greater Mekong Subregion Program supports the coordinated and proactive approach to address regional health issues through the GMS Working Group on Health Cooperation. In trade facilitation, the GMS Program is helping simplify and modernize customs procedures and border management.