Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen XuanPhuc on December 9 suggested Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam (CLV) practically expandtheir cooperation, tighten the links between the CLV Development Triangle Areaand the member economies, and further optimise their potential.

The leader made the suggestions while addressing the 11th CLV Summit on Development Triangle Area (CLV-11) that was held virtually.

He also called for greater efforts to implement the actionplan connecting the three economies by 2030, in combination with programmes andplans on sub-regional and ASEAN cooperation.

It is necessary to build an open, favourable climatefor trade, investment and tourism through the serious implementation of existingagreements and the building of new deals, he said.

The PM also suggested facilitating the circulation ofgoods at border gates, as well as the operation of businesses in the region.

Apart from enhancing collaboration in building commonborders of peace, friendship, and comprehensive development, the countries needto expand and deepen ties with partners to mobilise more resources for regionaldevelopment, he noted.

The long-standing friendship between peoples of thecountries, and close coordination between the governments have created acrucial foundation for the region to develop strongly, becoming a growth engineof ASEAN, he went on.

PM Phuc also briefed the summit on achievementsVietnam has recorded in 2020 amidst COVID-19, with GDP growth expected to reach2.5-3 percent and total export-import value, 550 billion USD.

During the summit, the participating leaders expressedtheir firm commitment to strengthening the CLV Development Triangle Area,aiming to spur economic growth, alleviate poverty, and promote socio-culturalprogress.

They said the COVID-19 has caused extensive publichealth and socio-economic disruptions, for which comprehensive and enhancedcooperation between the three nations is crucial and needs to be furtherstrengthened on the basis of traditional relations, solidarity, understanding,trust, mutual benefits and sustainable development.

The leaders took positive note of the work of the CLVJoint Coordination Committees in implementing the Revised Master Plan forSocio-Economic Development of the CLV Development Triangle Area for 2010-2020.

They further encouraged close and effectivecollaboration among the CLV countries in advancing cooperation in areas such astrade and investment, tourism, religion, agriculture, information communicationtechnology, education, research, skills development, and national defence.

The leaders adopted the Joint Declaration of the 11thCLV Summit, the Tourism Development Plan in the CLV-Development Triangle Area,and the Development Plan for Sustainable Rubber Industry in the CLV-DevelopmentTriangle Area./.