Participants on last weekend’s sponsored trip to the northeastern provinces pose for a photo in front of a border post. STPM
Following the surprise announcement of Cambodia's withdrawal from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) on the night of September 20, Prime Minister Hun Manet explained this morning, September 23, that the development of the northeastern regions will continue.
In an audio message posted on his social media, Manet stated: “Regardless of whether or not we are in the CLV-DTA cooperation, the government will continue to develop the northeastern region and ensure the protection of Cambodia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. This is the overwhelming desire of the Khmer people, especially those living in the northeastern region.”
He further emphasised that the government's policy of promoting the development of the regions remains unchanged. This includes demarcating the border with neighbouring countries, constructing infrastructure connections – particularly border belt roads – and creating financial incentives to encourage investment in these provinces (Kratie, Stung Treng, Ratanakkiria and Mondulkiri) in 2025.
Manet also expressed his gratitude to each of the citizens who contributed to the border infrastructure construction fund, launched on September 22. To date, around 700,000 people have made donations, raising a total of $21 million.
He explained that donations will continue to be accepted until October 31, after which a report will be released detailing the total funds and a specific plan of how the money will be used. The funds will be used transparently and in accordance with clear principles, primarily for constructing the border belt road, added the prime minister.
According to Manet, Cambodia's border roads stretch for more than 2,600 kilometres. Since 1994, more than 1,300 kilometres have been completed.
In addition, the free visits to the northeastern provinces and border areas, which are sponsored by the prime minister and began earlier this month, will continue until the end of the year. Manet’s social media reported that last weekend, during the third such trip, 600 people took the opportunity to see the development in the border regions.
“These northeastern visits serve as a living testimony from the people regarding the truth and the actual situation on the ground of the border work, land management and protections carried out by the Cambodian government.
“Increasing numbers of Cambodian citizens, especially those who have visited the border areas themselves, have shared positive experiences from these trips, returning filled with knowledge and joy. They have particularly fostered greater national unity for the protection of Cambodia’s territorial integrity, ensuring not a single millimetre is lost,” said Manet.
