The fourth negotiation round on the Trade Promotion and Facilitation Agreement in the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) was organised in Buon Ma Thuot city of Dak Lak province from April 18-20. The attendees were Deputy Director-General Le An Hai of the Asia - Pacific Market Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade; representatives of Laos Ministry of Industry and Trade, Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce as well as representatives of Departments, sectors, localities in the CLV-DTA.
The CLV-DTA comprises 13 provinces, including Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Binh Phuoc (Vietnamese provinces); Sekong, Attapeu, Saravan, Champasak (Lao provinces); Stung Treng, Rattanak Kiri, Mondulkiri, Kratie (Cambodian provinces). These provinces are rich in natural resources, own advantages for agro-forestry development and play an important role in the cooperation of three countries. However, the CLV-DTA has faced many difficulties in socio-economic development, low income and trade activities due to traffic system and infrastructure.

Delegates are present at the negotiation
At the meeting, delegates from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam focus on resolving remaining difficulties and obstacles to soon reach consensus on clauses and complete the agreement as scheduled set by leaders of the three countries. Simultaneously, delegates also paid attention to the fields bringing mutual interests and benefits.
The Trade Promotion and Facilitation Agreement in the CLV-DTA is expected to boost trade activities and goods movement among 13 provinces of the three countries. Participants also hope the agreement will permit relevant provinces to make full use of their potential and advantages as well as promote economic cooperation, investment, and tourism in the development triangle in particular and the three countries in general.

Mr. Le An Hai - Deputy Director General of the Asia - Pacific Market Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade, the leader of Vietnamese delegation speaks at the negotiation.
Building up a general trade Agreement between three countries aims to facilitating and promoting trade activities and economic development of the provinces in the CLV-DTA. This also has practical significance in narrowing development gap among localities of three countries and these countries with other ASEAN countries, effectively implementing the ASEAN Vision in regional integration.
By The Su