Vietnam-Cambodia Customs Enhance Cooperation on Smuggling Investigations

Vietnam and Cambodia Customs have agreed to strengthen cooperation, with information exchange as the core, to combat smuggling, commercial fraud, and drug crimes in the border areas between the two countries. Both sides will enhance the control of transit goods and coordinate in fighting these illicit activities. On September 22, the Vietnam Customs Department announced that from September 15 to 17, a Vietnamese delegation led by Mr. Vu Quang Toan, Deputy Chief of the Anti-Smuggling Investigation Department, attended the 7th Vietnam-Cambodia Border Customs Conference held in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The Cambodian delegation was led by Mr. Nou Sytha, Director of the Anti-Smuggling Department. The conference aimed to implement the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters between the Ministry of Finance of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Kingdom of Cambodia, signed on October 4, 2019. It also aimed to build upon the success of the 6th Vietnam-Cambodia Border Customs Conference held in Vietnam in 2025. During the conference, both sides shared their work results in combating smuggling and commercial fraud and reviewed cooperation activities under the MoU since the 6th conference in 2025. They also exchanged experiences and discussed key topics, including the situation of anti-smuggling cooperation and the difficulties and challenges encountered in practice at Vietnam-Cambodia border crossings. Both customs authorities agreed to enhance cooperation in controlling and combating smuggling of goods in transit within their respective border areas. They also committed to implementing appropriate measures to ensure that exported and imported goods are processed in accordance with the laws of each country and international instruments to which both are parties. Cambodia Customs pledged to actively participate in joint activities within the framework of the Mekong Dragon Operation, initiated by Vietnam and China Customs, to combat the illegal trade of narcotics and wildlife. Both sides agreed to prioritize information exchange, ensuring timely, accurate, and effective sharing of information in accordance with each country's regulations to support operational tasks. Furthermore, they agreed to strengthen cooperation in public awareness campaigns to educate border residents and businesses involved in cross-border trade about the detrimental impacts of smuggling, commercial fraud, and drug-related crimes on the economy, society, and national security. The conference was held in an open and cooperative atmosphere, achieving its set objectives. Both sides assessed that the conference has contributed to enhancing mutual understanding, further strengthening friendly relations, and making cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia Customs more in-depth and effective, thereby consolidating Vietnam-Cambodia friendship. The 8th Vietnam-Cambodia Border Customs Conference will be held in Vietnam in 2027. Source: Nhan Dan