Addressing the event, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia noted that the relationship of friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia has developed well and the conference is a further step toward implementing agreements reached by the two countries’ leaders.

He said cooperation between these border provinces has grown and flourished in recent times, especially in economics, trade, investment, national defence and security.  

He asked the border provinces to identify opportunities and challenges and hammer out measures to make their cooperation more efficient so as to fully tap their potential, improve the people’s lives and maintain border security.

In reply, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Kheng thanked Vietnam for providing valuable assistance to Cambodia since the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime and encouraging its businesses to invest in various areas in its neighbour country.  

He said that during the past years the two governments have given priority to promoting investment, trade and infrastructure construction in their border provinces. He noted that cross-border trade surpassed the US$1 billion mark in 2008, contributing to economic development and a better quality of life for those living along the common border. 

He also acknowledged bilateral cooperation in tourism, saying the number of visitors crossing the border has increased significantly, while national defence and security has been maintained.

Cross-border trade between Vietnam and Cambodia last year reached US$1.1 billion, increasing by nearly 40 percent compared to 2007 and making up 70 percent of the two countries’ total import-export value. More investment has been poured into developing border markets, meeting the demand for trade exchanges between their people in border areas.

The border provinces have jointly developed road projects to link their national highways and border gates, facilitating transport and trade.

Vietnam has also helped Cambodia survey places for hydro-electric power plants, build lower- and medium-voltage power networks, explore and exploit mineral ores, develop rubber growing projects, provide medical check-ups and train teachers.