The opening of the Tan Nam-Meun Chey international border gate marks a concrete step in implementing the development vision agreed upon by both nations’ senior leaders, creating a new strategic connectivity axis between the Vietnamese and Cambodian economies and facilitating trade and tourism activities for people and businesses on both sides.

At the same time, the opening represents a strategically important step toward completing the system of border-gate infrastructure, logistics networks and cross-border transport connectivity between Vietnam and Cambodia, with a view to developing the site into a future regional transit hub linking more broadly to ASEAN member states  through the regional road network.

In addition, the Tan Nam-Meun Chey international border gate is expected to serve as a key gateway for bilateral exchanges and cooperation, generating new development momentum for Tay Ninh and Prey Veng provinces as well as neighboring localities, accelerating  the formation of new cooperation spaces and closer ties among border communities, and contributing to the maintenance of security and public order as well as more effective border management, in line with the interests and aspirations of people in both countries.

Attending the opening ceremony, PM Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that the inauguration opens a new gateway for trade and adds another solid bridge of friendship between the Vietnamese and Cambodian peoples.

He noted that Vietnam and Cambodia are close neighbors, sharing connected rivers and mountains and belonging to the lower Mekong sub-region. For nearly six decades, the Vietnam-Cambodia relationship, defined as “good neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability,” has steadfastly weathered many challenges and has been continuously nurtured, consolidated and developed. The people of Vietnam and Cambodia regard each other as close brothers and neighbors, having “shared sweetness and hardship” and supported one another both during the difficult years of struggle for national independence in the past and in the current process of building and developing the two countries.

The Vietnamese Government leader said he was glad to see  in recent years, Vietnam–Cambodia relations  continue to grow steadily in a substantive and effective manner across all fields. In particular, economic, trade and investment cooperation has recorded impressive progress, with cross-border trade standing out as a bright spot. International border gates along the Vietnam–Cambodia boundary play an important role in linking the two economies. Bilateral trade turnover in recent years has been maintained at an average of around US$10 billion per year, and is set to reach US$12 billion for the whole of 2025.

The Prime Minister said that the inauguration of the Tan Nam- Meun Chey International Border Gate clearly demonstrates the spirit of trust, solidarity, and close, effective cooperation between the Governments of Vietnam and Cambodia. He stated that both sides therefore need to further strengthen their sense of responsibility in maintaining stability, order and security along the border; create favorable conditions for the border area to develop into a dynamic economic zone, a culturally diverse region, and a model area of cooperation between the two countries.

To ensure the smooth and effective operation of the Tan Nam- Meun Chey border gate, PM Chinh urged relevant ministries, agencies and local authorities of both countries to continue close coordination, focusing on the “five areas of strengthening”: strengthening cooperation in border management; strengthening the simplification of procedures, digitalizing customs clearance, and building a smart border gate; strengthening connectivity of infrastructure and cross-border economic space; strengthening regional linkages and local-level cooperation, particularly between Tay Ninh povince and Prey Veng; and strengthening the role of enterprises and industry associations in both countries.

“The Vietnam-Cambodia border is not merely a line demarcating territory but also a bridge for exchanges, friendship and long-term, enduring cooperation, reflecting the close-knit neighborly spirit and deep bonds between our two nations and peoples. Our joint efforts to inaugurate the Tan Nam-Meun Chey international border gate today will create fresh impetus for the two sides to soon complete boundary demarcation and marker placement for the remaining 16% of border sections yet to be finalized. At the same time, we will study the further development of other international border-gate pairs along the Vietnam-Cambodia land border, with the goal of raising bilateral trade to US$20 billion in the coming years,” the Vietnamese Government chief stressed.

PM Chinh cited the Vietnamese proverb “Trade opens pathways, prosperity opens roads,” expressing confidence that the Tan Nam-Meun Chey border gate will become a model international gateway leading the way in digital transformation toward a smart, modern and civilized operation, bringing prosperity, well-being and happiness to the people. He said it would help turn the Vietnam-Cambodia border area into a true “belt of security, bridge of friendship, engine of growth and anchor of public trust” for the two countries, while contributing to the consolidation of a peaceful, stable environment conducive to rapid and sustainable cooperation and development across the region

For his part, Cambodian PM Hun Manet stressed that the official opening of the Tan Nam- Meun Chey international border gate stands as clear evidence of the close ties and strong cooperation between Cambodia and Vietnam. He said this cooperation has contributed, and continues to contribute, to transforming the shared border into one of peace and stability, a gateway for the exchange of goods and services, and a border of development serving the lives of people in both countries.

The Cambodian PM expressed firm confidence that the official operation of the international border gate and its supporting infrastructure will contribute to boosting national socio-economic development and improving social welfare for the people of both countries in general, and for Cambodia’s Prey Veng province and Vietnam’s Tay Ninh province in particular. He said this will help upgrade trade exchanges, promote cultural tourism, and strengthen security cooperation.

“I would like to encourage the relevant ministries, agencies and administrations of Cambodia’s Prey Veng province and Vienam’s Tay Ninh province to continue working closely together to develop appropriate strategies and concrete plans to facilitate the flow of goods, services and business activities, particularly in high-potential sectors such as agriculture, industry and export-oriented processing industries, while stepping up efforts to prevent and combat cross-border crime,” PM  Hun Manet said.

He also urged the relevant ministries and agencies of both countries to intensify exchanges to include the Tan Nam-Meun Chey international border gate in the list of border crossings eligible under the Agreement on Transit of Goods and to incorporate it into the protocol implementing the Agreement on Road Transport.

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