PHNOM PENH — In a landmark show of regional unity, the Prime Ministers of Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos met on February 6, 2026, to solidify a comprehensive trilateral framework. Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet hosted his counterparts, H.E. Pham Minh Chinh (Vietnam) and H.E. Sonexay Siphandone (Laos), at the Solidarity Palace to fast-track economic integration and border security.
According to AKP, the “Mekong-3” leaders are moving beyond simple diplomacy toward “physical and digital connectivity.” The summit focused on merging infrastructure networks—specifically the high-speed expressways linking Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City—and creating a unified electricity grid to power the region’s growing industrial zones.
The Trilateral Economic Roadmap
- Trade Targets: Aiming for $20 billion in trade with Vietnam and $700 million with Laos by 2030.
- Tourism Innovation: Launching the “Three Countries, One Destination” initiative to streamline travel for international tourists.
- Infrastructure: Accelerating the link between the Phnom Penh-Bavet and Ho Chi Minh-Moc Bai expressways.
- Security Cooperation: Strengthening joint efforts against cyber fraud, human trafficking, and cross-border crime.
- Energy Security: Deepening trilateral electricity cooperation to support national industrialization goals.
Why This Matters to the West (US & UK)
For investors and travelers in the US and UK, this trilateral pact significantly reduces “regional risk.” According to AKP, by aligning their defense and security protocols, these three nations are creating a “Safe Zone” for Western manufacturing. Furthermore, the “Three Countries, One Destination” tourism policy will make it easier for Western travelers to book a single multi-country itinerary, increasing the appeal of Southeast Asian heritage tours.
The Power of Integration Under the Hun Manet administration, Cambodia is leveraging its neighbors’ strengths to overcome domestic limitations. By linking with Vietnam’s logistics and Laos’ energy potential, Cambodia is building a “Structural Shield” against global economic volatility. This trilateral approach ensures that if one country grows, the others benefit—creating a stable, predictable environment for foreign direct investment.
FAQ: Cambodia Vietnam Laos trilateral cooperation 2026
It is a joint marketing and visa-facilitation strategy designed to allow international tourists to easily travel between Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos as part of a single trip.
According to AKP, the connection between the Phnom Penh-Bavet and Ho Chi Minh-Moc Bai expressways will significantly reduce the time and cost of moving goods to international ports, benefiting Western retail supply chains.
Yes. A major pillar of the 2026 agreement is a unified front against cyber fraud and “non-traditional security threats,” aimed at protecting both citizens and international businesses operating in the region.