BUSINESS
• 1 week ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
Laos-Cambodia Transit Route Opens, Boosting Trade for Both Sides
PHNOM PENH, June 23, 2026 – Cambodia and Laos have formally launched a coordinated transit route for agricultural exports, creating a win-win trade corridor that benefits farmers and businesses on both sides of the border.
The ceremony took place on June 22 at Thanaleng Dry Port in Vientiane, attended by Lao Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkham Douangsavanh and Cambodian Minister Dith Tina. The launch puts into effect plant health standards negotiated since early 2026, formalising a trade corridor that channels Cambodian agricultural goods through Laos en route to China.
Under the new procedures, 12 products are covered. Durian, longan, banana, mango, rice, and cassava will transit from Cambodia through Laos to China, while rice, coffee, blueberries, pumpkin, cabbage, and tamarind will move as direct exports from Laos to Cambodia.
Photo: Ministry of Agriculture and Environment
For Cambodia, the route simplifies customs procedures and cuts transport times from 15 to 20 days to about one week—a major advantage for exporters of fresh produce like durian. For Laos, the transit traffic brings increased revenue and cements its role as a regional logistics hub, particularly with the Laos-China Railway carrying more than 10 million tons of freight in 2026 so far.
The development reflects the strengthening ties between the two neighbours and offers a direct gateway to the Chinese market, reducing reliance on other transit routes.
— Sources: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
The ceremony took place on June 22 at Thanaleng Dry Port in Vientiane, attended by Lao Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkham Douangsavanh and Cambodian Minister Dith Tina. The launch puts into effect plant health standards negotiated since early 2026, formalising a trade corridor that channels Cambodian agricultural goods through Laos en route to China.
Under the new procedures, 12 products are covered. Durian, longan, banana, mango, rice, and cassava will transit from Cambodia through Laos to China, while rice, coffee, blueberries, pumpkin, cabbage, and tamarind will move as direct exports from Laos to Cambodia.
Photo: Ministry of Agriculture and EnvironmentFor Cambodia, the route simplifies customs procedures and cuts transport times from 15 to 20 days to about one week—a major advantage for exporters of fresh produce like durian. For Laos, the transit traffic brings increased revenue and cements its role as a regional logistics hub, particularly with the Laos-China Railway carrying more than 10 million tons of freight in 2026 so far.
The development reflects the strengthening ties between the two neighbours and offers a direct gateway to the Chinese market, reducing reliance on other transit routes.
— Sources: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
