BANGKOK, 7 December 2015 – Thailand and Cambodia are looking to further their economic cooperation along the border, with a new border crossing in Sa Kaeo province being deliberated.
During the 5th meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Trade Commission last week, the two countries reportedly discussed various issues concerning border trade and investment. They initially agreed to set up a new permanent border crossing at Ban Nong Ian village in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo, opposite Banteay Meanchey province of Cambodia, while Thailand said it would consider allocating a budget for the construction of a border-crossing bridge in the area.
Moreover, Thailand invited Cambodia to be part of its “Textile Road” project, which is aimed to promote traditional Thai textile weaving, strengthen community economies and stimulate tourism in such provinces as Surin and Buri Ram. Cambodia expressed interest in the project while more talks on the matter will be held in the future.
The two countries also discussed strategies for supporting economic growth in provinces on both sides of the border, establishing economic connectivity and propelling bilateral trade and investment forward. Meanwhile, Cambodia persuaded Thailand to invest in its special economic zones, particularly in such industries as food, electronics and information technology.
