As Southeast Asia pushes forward with regional cooperation to drive economic growth and stability, government-led initiatives like the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) aim to enhance socio-economic development and connectivity in the border regions. 

The CLV-DTA is part of a broader network of regional joint border development projects extending from Thailand to Australia.

Together, these initiatives are becoming more and more instrumental in promoting economic integration, improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life across Southeast Asia, contributing to the broader vision of a more connected and prosperous region. 

In the face of recent public debate surrounding the CLV-DTA, The Post compares and contrasts some of the advantages of similar agreements, as well as some of the challenges they are facing.

Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT)

The IMT-GT was officially established in 1993 during a ministerial meeting in Langkawi, Malaysia, spearheaded by former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohammad, with the support of Indonesia’s President Suharto and Thailand’s Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai. 

“IMT-GT aims to accelerate economic cooperation and integration among the member states and provinces, promoting private sector-led growth by leveraging the region's comparative advantages,” explained a statement issued by the signatories.

The initiative focuses on seven strategic pillars: Agriculture and agro-based industry, tourism and halal products and services. It is supported by transport and ICT connectivity, trade and investment facilitation, as well as environment and human resource development.

One of the key achievements of the IMT-GT has been the development of economic corridors, which have significantly enhanced cross-border trade and physical connectivity. 

The Joint Business Council, established in 1995, facilitated private sector investments which totalled approximately $43.8 billion in 2021.

A mid-term review of the (IMT-GT) Roadmap (2007-2011), conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), highlighted key achievements in business network establishment, joint tourism promotion, and the commencement of infrastructure projects despite delays. 

The review also noted progress in promoting the halal products and services sector, focusing on capacity building and market opportunities within the sub-region.

Despite this progress, the IMT-GT has faced challenges, including delays in infrastructure projects and a need for stronger alignment between strategic goals and project implementation.

Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore Growth Triangle (SIJORI)

Established in 1994, the SIJORI Growth Triangle links Singapore, Johor in Malaysia, and the Riau Islands in Indonesia, particularly Batam, Bintan, and Karimun (BBK) islands. 

This initiative was designed to combine the economic strengths of these three regions – Singapore’s financial and infrastructure capabilities, Johor’s land and labour resources, and the Riau Islands’ strategic location and natural resources – to create a more competitive environment for investment and economic growth.

In an article published in the Journal of Maritime Studies and National Integration, Xu Xiaodong of Guangxi Normal University highlighted some of the key achievements of the SIJORI Growth Triangle. 

“Singapore secured vital resources like fresh water and natural gas from Johor and Riau, relocated labour-intensive industries to these regions and funded significant infrastructure developments, including ports, airports and industrial facilities,” said the article, published in 2019.

This collaboration facilitated the flow of capital, labour and technology across borders, boosting the economic growth of Johor and the Riau Islands.

SIJORI has seen significant developments, such as the designation of the BBK islands as special economic zones (SEZs) by Indonesia, aimed at attracting foreign investment and boosting local economies. 

However, challenges like uneven growth and slow industrial upgrades in Johor and the Riau Islands have hindered the initiative's full potential.

Timor-Leste–Indonesia–Australia Growth Triangle (TIA-GT)

Launched in 2012, the TIA-GT aims to promote economic growth through integrated development among Eastern Indonesia, Northern Australia and Timor-Leste. 

This initiative was conceived to attract investment, develop manufacturing industries, and enhance human capital across the three countries, after a meeting between Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

Notable efforts include discussions on creating a "tourism path" between Bali and Darwin, as well as Australian support for Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN.

According to the “Enhanced Cooperation and Integration between Indonesia and Timor-Leste: Scoping Study”, published by the ADB in late 2019, the project focuses on boosting economic growth, reducing poverty and improving connectivity between Indonesia and Timor-Leste, particularly in the tourism and livestock sectors. 

“Key achievements include the promotion of joint tourism initiatives like ‘One Island, Two Nations’, strengthening livestock trade through joint health checkpoints and trusted trader programs, enhancing land, sea, and air transport connectivity, and supporting SME development through cross-border partnerships and financial services,” said the study. 

Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA)

BIMP-EAGA, established in 1994, focuses on promoting development in the less developed areas of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. 

These areas are home to critical ecological regions like the Heart of Borneo, Southeast Asia's largest contiguous forest, and the biodiverse Sulu-Sulawesi Seas in the Coral Triangle.

Launched in Davao City, the Philippines, BIMP-EAGA focuses on balanced, inclusive growth, contributing to ASEAN regional integration. It promotes private sector-led growth by addressing infrastructure gaps and streamlining regulations to encourage investment.

Geographically, BIMP-EAGA includes Brunei, parts of Indonesia (Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, West Papua) and Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan), as well as the Philippines (Mindanao, Palawan). These regions cover 60% of the landmass of the three nations, but only 20% of the population.

“As of 2023, the BIMP-EAGA area's economy grew by 7.7%, with significant increases in GDP, trade and investment,” according to a statement by the signatories.

BIMP-EAGA's Vision 2025, supported by the ADB, aims to narrow development gaps, sustainably manage resources and strengthen regional connectivity.

“The focus on priority infrastructure projects and sustainable tourism has positioned it as a critical player in regional development, contributing to ASEAN's broader goals of economic integration and sustainable growth,” said the vision 2025 statement.

Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA)

The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA), established in 1999, is another notable initiative within this network of regional growth projects. 

It aims to enhance economic, infrastructure, healthcare, education and security cooperation among the regions involved. 

It includes provinces from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam – the area of cooperation includes Ratanakkiri, Stung Treng, Kratie and Mondulkiri provinces in Cambodia and Attapeu, Salavan, Sekong and Champasak in Laos, as well as Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Binh Phuoc in Vietnam.

President of the Cambodian Senate Hun Sen recently clarified that the initiative respects the sovereignty of each country without altering borders.

In December 2023, the three countries' parliaments held their first meeting in Vientiane, Laos, and in March 2024, the “Master Plan for Socio-Economic Development of the CLV-DTA 2030” was finalised. It will be reviewed at the 12th CLV-DTA Summit, which is scheduled to be held in Cambodia near the end of 2024.

The CLV-DTA has seen significant investment, with Vietnamese enterprises alone contributing over $3.7 billion across 110 projects in the region. 

“Vietnam is currently investing in 110 projects in Laotian and Cambodian provinces that fall within the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Development Triangle, with total registered investment of more than $3.7 billion, or 24 per cent of project numbers and 44 per cent of total investment in the two countries,” according to the Vietnamese publication VnEconomy, in a February article.

“These consist of 65 projects in Laos, with capital of more than $2 billion, and 45 projects in Cambodia, with capital of nearly $1.7 billion,” said the same source. 

Cambodian Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul recently addressed concerns regarding the potential territorial implications of the initiative, emphasising that the CLV-DTA respects national sovereignty and does not involve any territorial changes. 

“We are not losing our land, and we are not losing our sovereignty. Each country continues to enforce its own domestic laws,” she stated in an interview with TVK on August 9, highlighting the initiative's focus on enhancing connectivity and facilitating trade.

“If we establish a point of intersection that allows people to exchange goods and facilitates easy crossing, isn’t that beneficial?” she added.

Public and private investments, along with development partners like the World Bank, ADB, and USAID, are crucial for the success of these projects. 

“The CLV-DTA strengthens the efficiency of interconnected projects, making trade easier and more efficient,” Nimul explained.

Despite its tangible benefits, the CLV-DTA has faced challenges, including public fears of territorial loss and the need for cross-border cooperation to address issues like transnational crime and natural disasters. 

In response to concerns about unrestricted movement within the CLV countries, Nimul assured the public that while the agreement facilitates the movement of goods and people, it still requires compliance with existing laws. 

She pointed out that within ASEAN, “We only need our passports to travel to the other nine [member countries], with no need to apply for a visa in advance.”

Regional media outlets share their opinions

Vietnamese media outlet Baomoi explained that the CLV-DTA was established to promote inclusive regionalism and reduce the development gap within ASEAN. 

“Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam all engage in initiatives like the CLMV Summit and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) to achieve shared prosperity and economic parity with other ASEAN nations.

“The CLV-DTA plays a key role in narrowing this gap by enhancing connectivity, fostering growth and increasing opportunities in trade, investment and tourism,” said an August 21 feature by Baomoi.

“Shared border regions face challenges like transnational crime and natural disasters, requiring cross-border cooperation in security and disaster response,” it added.

By collaborating on these fronts, it suggested that CLV-DTA partners can protect economic gains, improve community resilience and strengthen their relationships. 

The CLV-DTA exemplifies how regional cooperation can lead to economic, social and security benefits, reinforcing the importance of shared aspirations for peace and sustainable development, in continued.

The Hanoi Times noted that Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos have set joint economic targets through the agreement for 2021-2030. 

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, and Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister of Laos, exchanged talks at a tri-lateral meeting held online in March 2021.

“The initiative, which began in 1999 and expanded in 2009, aims to integrate and sustain economic growth across the three countries,” according to the Vietnamese publication.

The leaders of the three nations shared their commitment to building prosperous CLV economies, aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. 

Media Laos covered the 13th CLV Development Triangle Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) meeting, which took place in March in Attaphu province. 

“Co-chaired by ministers from Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, the meeting reviewed key outcomes from previous summits, approved updated socio-economic development and economic connectivity plans until 2030, and discussed ongoing cooperation efforts,” it explained, in a March 4 article.

“The meeting also included trade, investment and tourism promotion activities, along with a CLV youth forum,” it added.

It emphasised the importance of continued collaboration to finalise crucial documents and prepare for the 12th CLV Summit in Cambodia, a significant step toward regional development and poverty reduction in the CLV triangle.

Thai language media outlet The Better covered the recent controversy.

“Recently, Cambodian politics have been stirred by rumours that the government, led by the Hun family, has ceded four eastern provinces – Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Kratie and Stung Treng – to Vietnam,” it said.

“These provinces, rich in forests and sparsely populated, were historically known as 'Khmer Jungles' and have ties to Siam,” it added.

This news has alarmed many Cambodians, some of whom became convinced that the government is selling out the country. Some overseas-based critics of the Hun family, who accuse them of exploiting the nation for personal gain, have seized upon these rumours.

The government, however, denied the allegations, clarifying that the provinces in question are merely part of the joint development initiative, and that the Kingdom’s sovereignty is not under threat.