The fourth annual conference on Vietnam-Cambodia- Laos economic cooperation was held in Da Lat city in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong on July 27.

Co-organised by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), the Lao National Social Sciences Institutes and the Royal Academy of Cambodia , the event aims to discuss impacts of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), border issues and transnational natural resources on the three countries.

According to President of the VASS Nguyen Xuan Thang, the countries should strengthen research studies and dialogues to determine key collaboration and policy cooperative mechanisms which effectively boost trans-border cooperation, resolve issues relating to competitiveness competency and poverty reduction and domestic socio-economic inequality.

Chaleune Yiapaoheu, President of the Laos institute said in order to successfully implement trans-border economic relations, specific methods and regulations should be introduced.

During the conference, experts expressed concern over opportunities and challenges in each country as well as cooperation between the three countries when the AEC is officially formed, particularly on ASEAN’s goods circulation commitment

On the other hand, investment activities among the three countries will face competition from other advanced ASEAN members with the free movement of capital and investment flows.

A report by Chheng Vannarith and Som Somuny from the Cambodian academy stressed the significance of ensuring effective and sustainable trans-border natural resource exploitation.

Additionally, Sok Touch, Diector of the Cambodian academy emphasised the significance of building good neighbourliness, ensuring security and growth and promoting economic cooperation between Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.-VNA