Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the country's withdrawal from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Agreement (CLV-DTA) on September 21, 2024, following widespread protests that claimed the agreement favored foreign interests. This decision comes after at least 66 people were arrested ahead of a planned rally against the agreement, which was established in 2004 to enhance trade and migration cooperation in northeastern Cambodia [db333cbb].
Hun Manet, who succeeded his father Hun Sen after a 40-year rule, labeled opposition groups as extremists and accused them of misleading the public regarding territorial concessions tied to the agreement. He emphasized the government's achievements over the past 25 years in the region, asserting that the CLV-DTA was no longer in the best interest of Cambodia [db333cbb].
The protests reflect growing discontent among Cambodians regarding perceived foreign influence in national affairs and the government's handling of regional development projects. Critics argue that such agreements often prioritize foreign investments at the expense of local communities and their rights [db333cbb].
This withdrawal from the CLV-DTA marks a significant shift in Cambodia's approach to regional cooperation, raising questions about future collaborations with neighboring countries Vietnam and Laos. Observers note that Hun Manet's administration may face increasing pressure to balance economic development with domestic concerns about sovereignty and public dissent [db333cbb].