Phnom Penh: Cambodia and Vietnam signed a
treaty that will allow freedom of navigation on Mekong
waterways between the two countries and increase access to the
river system for foreign vessels.
The Treaty on Waterway Transportation, signed by
officials of the two countries on Thursday in Phnom Penh,
legally binds them to reduce official restrictions on
cross-border navigation, the Mekong River Commission said.
"Both governments say the move will free up regional and
international trade, help avoid delays and make river-based
customs and immigration procedures more efficient and
straight-forward," it said.
Mom Sibon, secretary of state of Cambodia's Ministry of
Public Works and Transport, said "The Mekong and a range of
other tributaries between Cambodia and Vietnam are now
officially open."
"This is a historical step that will not only improve the
quality and efficiency of waterborne transport in the Mekong
Region, but in the long-term, will increase export potential
and help both Cambodia and Vietnam achieve their poverty
alleviation goals," he said.
The Vientiane-based Mekong River Commission, comprising
Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, facilitated the
agreement by assisting a legal task force in both countries,
with funding provided by the governments of Belgium and
Australia.
PTI
First Published: Friday, December 18, 2009, 19:25