Historic 2,000km Overland Convoy from China to Cambodia Marks Successful Inauguration of GMS Transit Facilitation

• Sommana Yan
• 2 July 2024
• Local News
• 2296 Views

A convoy of seven Chinese trucks and passenger vehicles has successfully completed a historic journey of over 2,000 kilometres from China to Cambodia, marking the first implementation of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Transit Facilitation Agreement. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport announced the successful arrival of the convoy in Phnom Penh and the welcoming ceremony held in its honour on 22 June 2024.

The convoy departed from Kunming, China, carrying fresh vegetables, office supplies, furniture, and other goods, along with a delegation of experts and journalists from the GMS. The journey spanned the Mekong sub-region, passing through Laos via the Mohan-Boten border and Thailand through the Huayxay-Chiang Khong border, before reaching Cambodia.

During the welcoming ceremony, HE Touch Chankosal, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, emphasised the significance of this milestone, noting that it aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

“This journey marks the first implementation of the GMS CBTA Transit Facilitation Agreement, aiming to reduce international land transport costs and enhance road transport infrastructure investment across GMS member countries,” he stated.

The GMS CBTA facilitates streamlined cross-border procedures, allowing passengers to remain in vehicles without the need for reloading. This agreement provides valid land transport permits to the six Mekong sub-countries: Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Through this mechanism, economic benefits for business owners and consumers in the GMS sub-region are expected to increase, enhancing competition and facilitating the transportation of goods.

Cambodia anticipates similar test runs for land transport operations with its neighbouring countries, further strengthening regional connectivity and economic integration. The successful convoy journey underscores the collaborative efforts of the GMS countries and the potential for future advancements in international land transport.

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