Cambodia , Laos sign agricultural transit deal to bolster trade with China

Cambodia , Laos sign agricultural transit deal to bolster trade with China

Cambodia and Laos have signed a historic agreement on the transit and transhipment of agricultural products, a move aimed at simplifying regional market access and aiding the flow of Cambodian goods to China.

Cambodia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Dith Tina, alongside Dr Linkham Douangsavanh, the Laotian Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, presided over the signing ceremony yesterday at the ministry’s headquarters in Phnom Penh. The agreement signifies a strategic shift towards utilising Laotian transport corridors to accelerate the export of Cambodian produce to the Chinese market.

During the bilateral talks, Tina expressed satisfaction with the strengthening ties between the two neighbours, emphasising the importance of mutual supply chains. He noted that technical teams from both nations would now work to harmonise cross-border procedures, removing logistical bottlenecks for agricultural exporters.

Beyond transit, the discussions identified several areas for expanded cooperation, such as the potential for Laos to supply fertiliser to Cambodian farmers and efforts to improve seed production. The ministers also discussed upgrading quality standards and ensuring food safety to meet international requirements, as well as enhancing the regional investment climate through joint agricultural exhibitions.

The minister said necessity of environmental cooperation, calling for joint efforts in forest fire prevention, wildlife conservation, and the sustainable management of natural resources along their shared borders. The agreement is regarded as a vital step in Cambodia’s strategy to diversify its export routes and reduce transport costs for its growing agricultural sector.

khmertimeskh