Vietnam-Cambodia bilateral trade set to reach US$5 billion by 2020
Vietnam-Cambodia bilateral trade set to reach US$5 billion by 2020
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Wednesday called on the Cambodian National Assembly to support the enhancement of cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia, thereby boosting bilateral trade to over US$5 billion by 2020.
At a reception for President of the Cambodian National Assembly Heng Samrin in Hanoi, the Vietnamese leader urged effective and mutually beneficial collaboration in boosting the economy, culture, education, science, technology, aviation, agriculture, hydropower and border trade.
Last year saw bilateral trade turnover hit US$4.7 billion, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
PM Phuc also suggested the Cambodian legislature introduce more regulations to encourage and create favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to operate in its country.
The countries need to work together to maintain security and mutual stability and persist in the principle of not allowing any external force to use their territory to sabotage each other, according to the Cabinet leader.
The PM thanked the Cambodian government for helping overseas Vietnamese have a stable life in the country and asked Cambodia to provide conducive conditions in terms of legal status for them and to handle the resettlement of those living at Tonlé Sap Lake.
He expressed hope that with concerted efforts, the issue would be resolved, leading to stronger ties between the countries.
More than 1,500 Vietnamese households live in floating villages by the lake, according to the Cambodian Overseas Vietnamese Association.
Regarding border issues, PM Phuc said the two countries should quickly release draft reports on the outcomes of land border demarcation and marker planting, for which some 84% of the workload is already complete, and organize a signing ceremony for these reports later this year.
The two sides should continue seeking fair and reasonable solutions to deal with border sections that are not yet delineated, he remarked.
Vietnam stands ready to support and coordinate with Cambodia in maintaining and promoting solidarity with and the common stance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which both countries are members.
Meanwhile, President Samrin pledged that the Vietnamese and Cambodian legislatures would support each other and coordinate closely, both bilaterally and at international forums.
During the visit, the two sides signed two important cooperation agreements, he confirmed, suggesting the Vietnamese and Cambodian governments should accelerate border demarcation and marker planting to build a common border of peace, stability, cooperation and development.
Cambodia has prioritized issues surrounding Vietnamese Cambodians, especially with regard to completing the legal paperwork and procedures, so that they are treated as fairly as other foreign residents in the country, he stated.
