Cambodia and Vietnam are working to boost bilateral trade activities through enhanced cooperation in key sectors and focused efforts to overcome challenges. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, bilateral trade between the two countries reached nearly $5 billion.
During the “Cambodia-Vietnam Trade Promotion Program” held in Cambodia on August 28, Seang Thai, Ministry of Commerce secretary of state, noted that the strong relationship between the governments and peoples of Cambodia and Vietnam plays a significant role in accelerating bilateral cooperation across all sectors.
“The Cambodia-Vietnam Trade Promotion Forum is truly valuable and offers an opportunity for both sides to meet, address challenges together and further strengthen cooperation in strategic sectors — especially in potential areas such as agriculture, agro-industry, logistics and supply chain development,” he said.
He highlighted rapid changes in the global geopolitical and economic landscape, which he explained require countries to foster mutual friendship and trust through building effective cross-border trade networks, enhancing transport infrastructure and adding value to agricultural products. These efforts are essential for economic growth and the improvement of people’s livelihoods.
The commerce ministry described the forum as a crucial event for entrepreneurs, traders, businesspeople and investors from both countries. It offered opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, form business partnerships and strengthen commercial ties, ultimately speeding up cooperation in the trade sector.
The August 27 “Business Meeting Between Svay Rieng Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Vietnamese Businesspeople”, held at the Svay Rieng provincial hall, also aimed to encourage cross-border business connections.
Hosted by the Svay Rieng Provincial Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, it aimed to foster mutual understanding, expand investment opportunities and facilitate cooperation between Cambodian and Vietnamese traders.
It was served as a unique opportunity to showcase products from both countries.
Sok Rado, president of the Svay Rieng chamber, explained that the meeting aimed to further strengthen business and trade cooperation, as well as attract investment through business networking, partnership-building, experience exchange and product exhibitions.
According to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), January–July trade between Cambodia and Vietnam totalled $4.95 billion, a 7.5% increase over the same period last year. Cambodia exported $2.43 billion to Vietnam, up 10.4%, while importing $2.51 billion, up 4.8%.
Lor Vichet, vice-president of the Cambodia-China Chamber of Commerce, told The Post that the continuous growth of Cambodia-Vietnam bilateral trade is due to shifting global economic trends and the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Key Cambodian exports to Vietnam are predominantly agricultural, while imports include construction materials, machinery, fuel, electronics and electrical equipment, agricultural fertilisers and food products.
In 2024, total trade between Cambodia and Vietnam reached $7.78 billion, up 18.2% over 2023. Exports totalled $3.61 billion, a 21.6% increase, while imports were valued at $4.17 billion, a 15.4% increase, according to the GDCE.
