Vientiane: The Cambodian Ministry of Commerce and the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce organised the Second Cambodia-Laos Joint Trade Committee Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on January 28 to boost bilateral trade and investment. The meeting aimed at enhancing economic collaboration between the two countries.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. CHAM Nimul, Minister of Commerce of Cambodia, and H.E. Malaithong KOMMASITH, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Laos. Representatives from relevant ministries and provinces of both countries were also present. The gathering served as a platform to review implementation progress, set trade targets, and explore opportunities to further promote trade and cooperation.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including bilateral trade targets, free trade zone cooperation, and the possibility of creating new mechanisms to expand bilateral trade. It also discussed annual meetings of border provinces’ administrations, exhibitions, trade fairs, business and investment promotion, tourism and logistics, and cooperation between the Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

According to the ministry, prior to the ministerial meeting, a Senior Officials’ Meeting took place on the morning of January 27. This meeting was co-led by H.E. LONG Kemvichet, Director General for International Trade, Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, and H.E. Sayana SAYYAKONE, Director General of the Department of Trade Negotiation and Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Laos. The gathering focused on reviewing and discussing priority areas for joint implementation, which were then submitted to the ministerial level for review and guidance.