Cross-border trade with Cambodia on the rise

Cross–border commodity exchange between Vietnam and Cambodia is thriving thanks to 1,270km of shared border, 10 international gates, 37 main and auxiliary border gates, and nine border economic zones.

The southern province of An Giang, which lies on the Cambodian frontier, has two international and two national border gates, along with many auxiliary entry points. These play a crucial role in connecting Vietnam’s Mekong Delta provinces to the neighbouring country.

An Giang serves as a gateway for local commodities to access the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market.

Last year, cross-border trade turnover reached US$1.76 billion, a 24% year-on-year surge.

According to the An Giang Customs Department, its import-export turnover reached US$793 million in the first half of this year, up by 31% from last year’s figure.

Since 2009, the province has intensified its trade and investment promotion activities, holding several border fairs to showcase quality Vietnamese goods.

Fairs promoting international trade, investment and tourism are held in Tinh Bien district each year to attract domestic enterprises and partners from Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.

An Giang’s exports to Cambodia totalled US$572 million in the first half of 2013, up by 35% year on year, noted Mai Thi Anh Tuyet, Director of the provincial Industry and Trade Department.

Exports to Cambodia include essential goods, such as construction materials (cement and steel), groceries, fertiliser and other agricultural materials.

The significant growth in trade is attributable to import-export policies and mechanisms updated and adjusted annually by the Vietnamese and Cambodian Governments.

An Giang frequently holds working sessions with Cambodian provincial leaders to effectively resolve difficulties and facilitate goods exchanges and trade promotion.

However, cross-border trade activities still face barriers in the form of administrative formalities and unsuitable regulations, particularly those determining permission for vehicles to pass through border gates.

To ease difficulties, the Vietnamese Prime Minister recently approved regulations on operating activities at land border gates to intensify trade support services and import-export activities.