Cambodia urges Thais to sign trade deal

Cambodian officials have asked their Thai counterparts to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cross-border trade as soon as possible to avoid complications for transportation companies when new Thai regulations on cross-border trade comes into effect in mid-November. According to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), a new Thai customs law, due to come into force on November 13, will make the transportation of goods by land along the Cambodia-Thailand border illegal if Thailand is not the final destination or if Cambodia is not the origin country, a situation that would have a negative impact on Cambodian exports.

However, an MoU on cross-border trade between Cambodia and Thailand announced in late October would legitimise shipments to or from third countries, which will be done by establishing six specialised checkpoints along the border. An announcement was released yesterday by the GDCE to warn companies to get their shipments into Thailand before the November 13 deadline to avoid any problems clearing cargo in case the MoU is not signed on time.

“To ensure smooth import-export operations along our mutual border, the GDCE is working hard to negotiate with its Thai counterparts to finalise the MoU and sign it before November 13,” the GDCE announcement said. “The deadline is coming up, but the Thai customs administration has not approved the MoU yet,” it says. “We urge all businessmen and companies to make pertinent preparations – including changing shipping routes and possibly going through and alternative country – in case the MoU is not signed on time.”

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