Cambodia and Laos Strengthen Cooperation in Tourism, Trade and Energy with New Agreements to Boost their Bilateral Relations and Foster Sustainable Tourism

Published on November 29, 2025

Cambodia and Laos have agreed to further strengthen their bilateral cooperation for mutual benefits in several key sectors, including tourism. The agreement was formalized during the 15th meeting of the Cambodia-Laos Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation held in Vientiane, Laos, on November 27, 2025. Co-chaired by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane, the meeting looked into ways to deepen the Comprehensive and Long-lasting Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

One of the key areas discussed was how the two countries could advance their tourism sectors in support of economic development while being mindful of sustainable tourism principles. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding tourism ties and discussed how their cooperation could help both nations meet their tourism goals for the benefit not only of local economies but also for fostering people-to-people cultural exchanges.

Boosting Tourism and Trade Between Cambodia and Laos

During the meeting, both countries highlighted the potential for expanding trade and investment, with a specific focus on how tourism can act as a key catalyst for future economic growth. Tourism is recognized as one of the most important sectors for both countries, with Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and Laos’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Town of Luang Prabang, drawing significant international attention. The ministers acknowledged that closer business-to-business engagement could lead to greater tourist flows between the two nations, promoting cross-border tourism and travel connectivity.

This collaboration is expected to provide a boost to tourism infrastructure, including transport links, hospitality services, and tourism facilities, making it easier for tourists to travel between Cambodia and Laos, and visit key cultural and natural attractions. By strengthening their partnership, Cambodia and Laos aim to create a more seamless tourism experience, encouraging international travelers to explore both countries in one trip, thereby contributing to both nations’ tourism revenues.

Strengthening Sustainable Tourism Cooperation

A major aspect of the meeting was the commitment to sustainable tourism development. Cambodia and Laos have both expressed their desire to promote eco-friendly tourism that respects the environment while creating economic opportunities for local communities. The ministers discussed cooperative efforts in sustainable tourism practices, such as eco-tourism initiatives that focus on preserving natural resources and promoting responsible travel behaviors.

By integrating sustainable tourism policies into their bilateral cooperation, Cambodia and Laos are working to ensure that their growing tourism industries do not come at the expense of their unique natural landscapes or cultural heritage. The two countries also discussed enhancing tourist safety, local community engagement, and cultural preservation efforts, which will allow tourism to serve as a force for both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Tourism as a Driver for Regional Economic Development

The ongoing collaboration between Cambodia and Laos is expected to not only stimulate tourism but also generate broader economic benefits for both nations. The integration of tourism into broader economic strategies will help create new job opportunities, particularly in rural areas, through tourism-related businesses, such as hospitality, transportation, and cultural tours. This will further help reduce poverty and provide income for local communities, particularly those in underdeveloped regions that are heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism for economic stability.

Moreover, the increase in tourist arrivals resulting from easier cross-border travel will help boost local industries in both countries, including those related to agriculture and craftsmanship, as tourists seek authentic, locally-produced goods. The expansion of tourism will thus have a multiplier effect on the economies of both Cambodia and Laos, strengthening their positions as key destinations within the Southeast Asian tourism circuit.

A Commitment to Long-Term Tourism Cooperation

Both ministers reaffirmed their long-term commitment to enhancing bilateral tourism relations and pledged to continue their cooperation on regional tourism development. They emphasized the importance of creating joint tourism initiatives, such as cross-border tours, shared marketing efforts, and cultural exchanges, to further promote both countries as tourism destinations. The commitment to holding the next Joint Commission meeting in Cambodia in 2027 demonstrates their determination to build a sustainable and mutually beneficial tourism relationship that will endure for years to come.

A Bright Future for Cambodia and Laos Tourism

An agreement by Cambodia and Laos to further deepen their bilateral relationship is important, in essence, for the building of a stronger tourism partnership in Southeast Asia. By focusing on sustainable tourism practices, enhancing regional connectivity, and expanding trade and investment in the tourism sector, both countries position themselves as competitive, eco-friendly tourist hubs that appeal to tourists from around the world while preserving their natural and cultural heritage.

Where Cambodia and Laos are concerned, the developing tourism sector will continue to strengthen the ties of cooperation between these two countries, enabling economic growth and job creation while offering sustainable tourism for generations of travelers to come. These countries now have a shared vision for sustainable development and regional collaboration, placing them well on course to becoming one of the leading destinations for eco-tourism and cultural tourism in Southeast Asia.