The much-anticipated direct air connectivity between India and Cambodia is set to become a reality this year, as both nations are in the final stages of legalizing air travel agreements, aiming to facilitate greater trade and investment opportunities.
This development was disclosed by Koy Kuong, the Cambodian Ambassador to India, during a meeting with the Cambodia Onkha Association (COA) led by Secretary-General Hun Lak in Delhi. According to a statement from the COA, efforts are underway by the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in collaboration with Indian authorities to initiate direct flights between the two countries, potentially starting between April and June.
For several years, the establishment of a direct flight has been a topic of discussion between Cambodia and India, with the goal of increasing the flow of tourists between the two nations. Sin Chansereyvutha, the Under-Secretary of State and spokesperson for the State Secretary of Civil Aviation, mentioned that air travel procedures have been expedited and approved for Cambodian carriers, Cambodia Angkor Air and Cambodia Airways. The next step involves securing the necessary clearances for direct flights from the Indian counterparts.
Tourism statistics from Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism reveal a significant rise in Indian visitors to Cambodia, with 68,836 tourists recorded last year, reflecting a more than 102 percent increase from the 34,016 visitors in the previous year.
In a move to bolster bilateral trade and investment, the Cambodia Oknha Association, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, inaugurated the India-Cambodia Joint Business Council in New Delhi on February 23. This council is designed to promote trade and investment by fostering dialogue and cooperation within the private sectors of both nations.
Trade data from the General Department of Customs and Excise indicates a consistent growth in trade between Cambodia and India, with the volume reaching approximately $485.70 million in 2023, a 10 percent increase from the previous year.
In line with its trade strategy, the Cambodian government is keen on establishing bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with key trading partners, including India. Both countries have initiated technical discussions to lay the groundwork for a bilateral free trade agreement, which is expected to further enhance trade, investment, and collaborative efforts in various sectors.
Source: Khmer Times
