On the morning of December 8, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet co-chaired the inauguration ceremony of the Tan Nam (Tay Ninh province, Vietnam) - Meun Chey (Prey Veng province, Cambodia) international border gate pair.

“5 enhancements” for smooth border operations

Speaking at the ceremony in a warm and friendly atmosphere, both Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Cambodian Prime Minister underscored the significance of this event. They affirmed that it clearly demonstrates the spirit of trust, solidarity, and close, effective cooperation between the two nations. The opening serves as a new gateway for trade and adds another bridge of friendship between the two peoples. Both leaders also commended the relevant ministries, sectors, and localities for their collaborative efforts in the construction and upgrading of the border gates.

To ensure the Tan Nam - Meun Chey border gates operate smoothly and effectively in the future, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed that relevant ministries, agencies, and localities of both countries continue their close coordination, focusing on “5 enhancements.”

First, enhance close coordination in border management to ensure security and order. This includes resolutely combating cross-border crimes (such as gambling, smuggling, trade fraud, illegal transportation of goods, weapons, and banned substances, as well as fraud and human trafficking). The Prime Minister called for regular joint patrols, timely information sharing, handling of arising incidents, and the promotion of friendly exchange and twinning models between the border protection forces of both sides.

Second, enhance the simplification of procedures and digitalization of customs clearance. The goal is to build a smart border gate model to minimize time and costs for businesses and citizens, while simultaneously improving the capacity to manage and control the flow of goods and people transparently and effectively.

Third, enhance the connectivity of infrastructure and border trade economic spaces. This involves the early completion of planning for transport, digital, and power infrastructure connecting the border gates. Favorable conditions should be created for businesses from both countries to invest in logistics, warehousing, and border trade centers, alongside researching preferential policies to boost imports and exports through the new gateway.

Fourth, enhance regional linkages and local cooperation, particularly between Tay Ninh and Prey Veng provinces, in formulating socio-economic development plans linked to the border gate’s potential. Priorities include promoting cooperation in healthcare, culture, education, trade, and tourism; intensifying people-to-people exchanges; and supporting border residents in improving their material and spiritual lives.

Fifth, enhance the role of businesses and industry associations in actively seeking cooperation opportunities and expanding investment. Businesses are urged to comply with local laws, ensure product quality and social responsibility, and maximize advantages in agricultural products, processing, and logistics services, thereby increasing investment in production, business, and exports in each country.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that the inauguration of the Tan Nam - Meun Chey international border gates creates strong momentum for the two countries to soon finalize the demarcation and marker planting for the remaining 16% of the border. He also suggested researching the development of other international border gate pairs along the Vietnam - Cambodia land border. These efforts aim to bring bilateral trade turnover to USD 20 billion soon, as agreed upon by the top leaders of both countries. Contributing to the robust and sustainable development of the neighborly relations, traditional friendship, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Citing the Vietnamese proverb “Trade opens the way, prosperity follows,” the Prime Minister expressed his confidence that the Tan Nam - Meun Chey border gate will become a model international border gate leading in digital transformation smart, civilized, and modern, bringing prosperity and happiness to residents in the border areas.

Furthermore, this will contribute to making the Vietnam - Cambodia border region truly a “security belt  - bridge of friendship - growth driver - anchor of people’s trust” for both nations, thereby consolidating an environment of peace, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development in the region.

A catalyst for socio-economic development and border welfare

For his part, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet affirmed that the official operation of this international border gate pair is a clear testament to the goodwill, unity of approach, and determination for cooperation between Cambodia and Vietnam. It signifies joining hands to build a border of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development. A border of commerce, the exchange of goods and services, and development that serves the lives of the people.

The Cambodian Prime Minister emphasized that the official launch of the border gate pair, supported by synchronous infrastructure, will contribute to boosting socio-economic development and social welfare for the people of both countries in general, and the two localities in particular.

“The official operation of the international border gate pair today is an achievement of historic significance regarding the development of relations and cooperation between Cambodia and Vietnam across all sectors, with the aspiration to transform the border region into a zone of opportunity for the people of our two countries,” Prime Minister Hun Manet stated.

In the coming time, other international border gates will be upgraded or newly established. Together with infrastructure currently under construction or upgrade, these facilities will actively support production activities and enhance connectivity in cooperation, investment, tourism, the flow of goods and agricultural products, and the movement of people.

Prime Minister Hun Manet urged relevant ministries, agencies, and the authorities of Prey Veng province (Cambodia) and Tay Ninh province (Vietnam) to continue working closely together. He called for devising appropriate strategies and concrete plans to facilitate the flow of goods, services, and business activities. Especially in high-potential sectors such as agriculture, agro-industry, and processing for export while simultaneously preventing and combating transnational crime.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed deep gratitude to the Government, the Prime Minister, and the people of Vietnam for always preserving and cultivating good relations and cooperation in the spirit of “good neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability” for the benefit of both nations and their peoples. He expressed confidence that both sides would maintain this fine traditional friendship and close-knit cooperation for future generations.

Vietnam - Cambodia bilateral trade turnover in recent years has maintained an average of approximately USD 10 billion per year. Notably, it reached USD 10.4 billion in the first 11 months of 2025 (an increase of 12.7% compared to the same period in 2024), with the full-year figure for 2025 expected to reach USD 12 billion. To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Tan Nam - Meun Chey Friendship Bridge connecting the two countries.