Commerce minister Cham Nimul stressed that the CLV-DTA does not involve the sharing or exchanging of territory in an interview with TVK on August 9. TVK
Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul addressed concerns surrounding the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA), which has led to fears among some that it could result in the loss of Cambodian territory.
In an interview with TVK today, August 9, Nimul clarified that the CLV-DTA does not involve the sharing or exchanging of territory. She emphasised that each country remains independent and self-sufficient in its development efforts. Moreover, she noted that all regional developments occur individually, with Cambodia utilising its national development budget, including the commune development budget.
"You might wonder: If you are developing your own village or commune using your own funds, why participate in the CLV-DTA? The answer is simple – it brings additional benefits and strengthens connectivity,” she posed and answered.
Nimul explained that the country’s involvement in the agreement is aimed at enhancing connectivity through infrastructure projects such as road networks that facilitate the exchange of goods, transit between neighbouring countries and access to medical services.
"If we establish a point of intersection that allows people to exchange goods and facilitates easy crossing, isn’t that beneficial? They continue to develop their side, and we continue to develop ours. What we focus on is identifying and agreeing on connection points that offer mutual benefits. To reach these agreements, negotiations are essential,” she said.
For connectivity and development to succeed, public and private investment, as well as the participation of development partners, is crucial. Nimul noted that there are currently 12 partners involved, including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and USAID.
"If we do not develop remote areas, how can we expect people to continue living there? Without substantial investment, no one would want to remain in these areas. If you’re alone in a remote place and fall ill, who would you turn to for help?” she questioned.
"The CLV-DTA strengthens the efficiency of interconnected projects, making trade easier and more efficient,” she added.
In response to concerns about the loss of territory and the free movement of citizens within the CLV countries, Nimul clarified that while the agreement facilitates the movement of goods and people, it does not allow unrestricted entry and exit; all individuals must comply with existing laws.
"Currently, within the 10 ASEAN member countries, we only need our passports to travel to the other nine. There’s no need to apply for a visa in advance. For instance, when we travel to Singapore, Thailand, Laos or the Philippines, we simply buy a flight ticket, no visa required, and we can stay for up to 14 days,” she noted.
Nimul also mentioned a cross-border pass agreement between Cambodia and Laos, which allows citizens of both countries to travel within each other’s borders for up to 12 hours.
"The CLV-DTA is primarily about economic connectivity and boosting trade activities. It transforms isolated, remote regions into prosperous areas with improved infrastructure and communities living in harmony.
“And I want to make it clear: we are not losing our land, and we are not losing our sovereignty. Each country continues to enforce its own domestic laws,” the minister said.
