Vietnam, Cambodia PMs inaugurate Tan Nam–Meun Chey pair of int'l border crossings

The two leaders met at the Tan Nam–Meun Chey Friendship Bridge and performed a ribbon-cutting ceremony before Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed his Vietnamese counterpart across the border to attend the official event at the Meun Chey international border gate.

According to Tay Ninh authorities, Tan Nam, situated between border markers 131 and 132, was previously a sub-border gate but was upgraded following a resolution by the Vietnamese government.

The province then accelerated necessary procedures and developed new infrastructure to meet international border gate standards.

On the Cambodian side, Meun Chey was originally a small-scale crossing point, primarily used for agricultural trade, before being gradually upgraded by the royal government.

Significant investment in border infrastructure has transformed it into an international gateway, facilitating cross-border movement and trade in agricultural products, consumer goods, and construction materials.

Speaking at the ceremony, PM Chinh thanked the Cambodian government and local authorities, particularly those in Prey Veng Province, for their close cooperation during the upgrading process.

He stressed that the new international border crossing pair would not only enhance connectivity but also promote peace, stability, and shared prosperity along the Vietnam–Cambodia border.

He called on both sides to strengthen coordination in border management, maintain security and order, and intensify joint efforts to combat cross-border crime.

Regular patrols, information sharing, and closer cooperation between border protection forces were also encouraged to ensure the safe and effective operation of the new crossing.

The Vietnamese leader also called for the simplification of administrative procedures, the digitalization of customs clearance, and the development of a smart border gate system to reduce time and costs for people and businesses.

He emphasized the importance of investing in supporting infrastructure, including transport links, logistics centers, and border trade facilities, to unlock the area’s full economic potential.

Chinh highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation between Tay Ninh and Prey Veng in socio-economic development, healthcare, education, trade, and tourism.

He encouraged businesses from both countries to expand investment, leverage local advantages in agriculture and processing, and contribute to sustainable development in the border region.

The inauguration of the Tan Nam–Meun Chey border gate, he added, would also help advance border demarcation and support the development of additional international crossings, in line with the two countries’ shared goal of raising bilateral trade to US$20 billion in the coming years.

PM Manet, in response, expressed appreciation to Vietnam for its efforts in strengthening bilateral ties based on good neighborliness, traditional friendship, and long-term cooperation.

He described the new pair of international border gates as a significant milestone in Cambodia–Vietnam relations and a symbol of the two countries’ shared determination to transform border areas into zones of opportunity and development.

He urged the relevant ministries and local authorities of both countries to continue working closely to facilitate trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture and export-oriented processing.

Thanks to improved procedures, upgraded border infrastructure, and stronger economic cooperation, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Cambodia has averaged about $10 billion a year in recent years.

In the first 11 months of 2025, it reached $10.4 billion, up 12.7 percent year on year, and is projected to hit $12 billion for the full year.