A recent trip to Pakistan by Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul is expected to boost friendly ties, as well as trade. During the trip, two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were inked.
To learn more about the outcomes of the February 9-11 visit, The Post spoke with commerce ministry spokesperson Penn Sovicheat. The interview is summarised below.
1. What positive outcomes did the visit bring for bilateral trade cooperation?
The visit strengthened friendship and enhanced mutual trust between Cambodia and Pakistan. Both sides expressed strong commitment to further promoting bilateral economic and trade cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
During the visit, the minister met with several senior Pakistani officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Commerce and the Minister of Industries and Production, as well as representatives of the Pakistani business community.
These included the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, and textile and garment producers and exporters.
All meetings reflected the Pakistani side’s appreciation for the Minister’s visit and a firm commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade and investment between the two countries.
2. What were the major results of this visit?
Two key documents were signed. A memorandum of understanding between Cambodia’s General Department of Trade Promotion and Pakistan’s Trade Development Authority, and a Joint Statement on the launch of negotiations for a Cambodia–Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
3. What is the current trade situation between the two countries?
In 2025, bilateral trade between Cambodia and Pakistan reached approximately $53.94 million. Cambodian exports to Pakistan include milled products, footwear, fabrics and machinery. The Kingdom imports pharmaceutical products, raw hides, cotton, synthetic fibres and processed grain products from Pakistan.
4. Are Pakistani investors currently operating in Cambodia?
To date, 163 Pakistani enterprises/companies have registered to conduct business in Cambodia.
5. Have Pakistani investors shown interest in direct investment in Cambodia?
Yes. The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association has expressed interest in investing in pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturing plants in Cambodia, as well as packaging factories for export.
The ministry has encouraged them to establish operations in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to benefit from various incentives.
Such production and packaging facilities could serve the domestic market and export to ASEAN countries, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) markets and other countries through the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to which Cambodia is a party, as well as other preferential trade schemes.
6. What Cambodian products have strong export potential to Pakistan?
Possible major exports to Pakistan include agricultural and agro-processed products such as cashew nuts, cassava and rubber, as well as industrial products such as garments, footwear, travel goods and electronics.
