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Laos and Cambodia officially launched new export and transit procedures for plants and plant products on Monday, marking a major step toward strengthening bilateral agricultural trade and enhancing regional connectivity.
The launch ceremony was held at the Thanaleng Dry Port in Vientiane Capital and was co-chaired by Lao Minister of Agriculture and Environment Linkham Douangsavanh and Cambodian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina. The event was attended by senior officials from both countries, including deputy ministers, the Cambodian Ambassador to Laos, the Vice Governor of Champasak Province, and representatives from relevant agencies and the private sector.
The initiative forms part of efforts to implement the strategic priorities of Laos’ Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and support the government’s broader economic development agenda by expanding agricultural trade and cross-border logistics.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bounchan Kombounyasith, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, described the launch as an important milestone in utilizing Laos’ strategic geographic position to strengthen regional and international trade links.
He noted that negotiations between the agricultural authorities of Laos and Cambodia, which began earlier this year, resulted in the signing of 12 phytosanitary protocols designed to facilitate the safe movement of agricultural commodities while ensuring compliance with international plant health standards.
The agreements include six transit protocols allowing the shipment of durian, longan, bananas, mangoes, rice, and cassava from Cambodia through Laos to China. They also include six export protocols covering the export of rice, coffee, blueberries, cabbage, and tamarind from Laos to Cambodia.
Officials said the protocols are expected to streamline customs and quarantine procedures, strengthen phytosanitary cooperation, and promote greater agricultural trade between the two neighboring countries.
According to official data, bilateral trade in plant products between Laos and Cambodia has already reached approximately 3,671 tonnes, with a total value of about US$4.02 million.
To mark the occasion, the two ministers jointly pressed a ceremonial launch button, officially inaugurating the new export and transit mechanism. Authorities said the initiative is expected to deepen economic cooperation, improve regional supply chains, and contribute to sustainable agricultural development and trade integration in the Mekong region.
KPL
