Cambodia’s ‘shocking’ exit from development deal with Vietnam, Laos ‘shakes its reputation’
Experts say Prime Minister Hun Manet bowing to opposition pressure casts doubt on his government’s commitment to regional cooperation
The CLV-DTA, established in 1999, aimed to boost economic cooperation and trade among the three countries’ bordering provinces.
Hun Manet accused “extremists” of using the deal as “a political weapon” to attack his administration, adding both Hanoi and Vientiane were notified of the decision that was made “to disarm the opposition and maintain peace and solidarity”.
“Taking into account people’s concerns about territory … we have decided that Cambodia is ending its participation in the CLV-DTA,” Hun Manet wrote on Facebook.
Cambodia’s concession to its opponents and critics has cast doubt on its leaders’ commitment
Huynh Tam Sang, an international-relations lecturer at Vietnam National University, said the “shocking” pull-out could lead to a deterioration in Cambodia-Vietnam ties, which Hun Manet vowed to strengthen after taking office last year.
