Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s participation in the forthcoming eighth Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Development Triangle summit aims to foster the coordination in the implementation of joint programmes in defence, security and socio-economic development.

Through the event, which is to take place on November 24-25 in Vientiane, Laos, Vietnam is also looking forward to further cementing the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive development with Laos, as well as the all-round ties will Cambodia.

The initiative to establish the Development Triangle area was raised by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at the first senior meeting of the three Prime Ministers of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam in Vientiane in 1999.

In their second senior meeting in Ho Chi Minh City in 2002, the PMs confirmed the determination to develop the area and defined it as one of the top priorities in the three countries’ development cooperation.

The Development Triangle area currently comprises 13 border provinces, including Ratanakiri, Stung Treng, Mondulkiri and Kratie in Cambodia ; Attapu, Salavan, Sekong and Champasak in Laos ; Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Binh Phuoc in Vietnam .

The localities share similarities in natural conditions, socio-economic situation and development level, with agriculture dominating in their economic structure. Border gate pairs set up between provinces have made it favourable for them to boost their partnership and exchanges.

CLV Development Triangle is an important cooperation mechanism that contributes to the maintenance of political security, stability and social safety in border areas of the three countries.

The mechanism, along with simplified trade procedures, has helped expand trade exchange activities among localities. The three countries’ GDP growth averaged 10 percent annually and their annual per capita income reached US$1,340.

During the summit, the leaders will review the implementation of the master plan for socio-economic development of the CLV Development Triangle Area until 2020, and the memorandum of understanding on special preferential policies for the area.

They will also evaluate difficulties in the realisation of joint socio-economic development programmes in the region, while mapping out future collaboration orientations.

VNA/VNN