Cambodia and Laos have agreed to increase cooperation in trade, investment and tourism as trade between the countries shows no sign of growth.
The commitment was made by the leaders of the two countries in a sidelines summit of the Mekong River Commission in Siem Reap on Wednesday.
The aid is to push trade between the countries higher than the current $20 million.
Compared with neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam, where trade is worth $6 billion and $3.8 billion respectively, trade with Laos is flat.
Laos Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith expressed concern at the trade volume and asked Cambodia to help increase it, Eang Sophalleth, assistant to Prime Minister Hun Sen, said at the meeting.
Cambodia and Laos have tourism growth potential, Mr Sophalleth said. Mr Hun Sen would examine whether local airlines can add direct air route to Lao cities Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Commerce Ministry spokesman Seang Thay said trade between the countries appeared to suffer because they have similar products and both need export markets.
“Cambodia welcomes to trade cooperation with all countries, but with Laos it is hard to boost trade,” he said.
However, Laos was the biggest electricity-producing country in the region and the two countries might see a rise in trade.
