Cambodia, Laos Target $700 Million Trade by 2030 as Leaders Push Transport Links, Energy Security

PHNOM PENH, Feb.08,2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and Laos agreed Saturday to step up cooperation in transport connectivity and energy security while setting a bilateral trade target of US$700 million by 2030, following talks at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet held bilateral discussions with his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone, who was in the capital to attend a high-level meeting with leaders of the Cambodian People’s Party, the Communist Party of Vietnam, and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.

Both leaders hailed the steady progress of relations under their long-standing comprehensive strategic partnership, urging ministries and institutions to work closely to deliver tangible benefits for their citizens.

The year 2026 will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The prime ministers agreed to organize commemorative activities and promote high-level exchanges to mark the milestone. Upcoming state visits by Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith to Cambodia and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni to Vientiane later this year were highlighted as symbols of deepening political and diplomatic ties.

Talks covered a wide range of areas including trade, investment, banking, agriculture, energy, transport infrastructure, border affairs, defense and security, and cooperation against transnational crime, human trafficking, and online scams. Both sides pledged to transform their shared border into a zone of peace, friendship, and development.

On transport, the leaders discussed accelerating infrastructure projects to ease the movement of goods. Cambodia could ship agricultural products to third countries via Laos, while Laos could use Cambodian seaports to access global markets — supporting Vientiane’s strategy of becoming a “land-linked” nation.

Before concluding, Siphandone voiced Laos’ support for Cambodia’s hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit in November, pledging to send senior officials to participate.