PHNOM PENH: Cambodia is fast becoming one of the most attractive destinations for Vietnamese investors, with more than 200 active projects currently operating across various sectors in the country. Trade between the two neighbours continues to grow steadily, bolstered in part by increased cross-border economic activity and shifting trade dynamics following the closure of the Thai land border.
Nguyen Thi Thanh, Vice-President of the National Assembly of Vietnam and President of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association, revealed these figures during the Vietnam-Cambodia Business Forum 2025, held on October 11 in Ho Chi Minh City.
The forum was attended by several dignitaries, including Lav Kang, Vice-President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC); Nguyen Minh Vu, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia; Chan Sorekan, Consul General of Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City; Nguyen Van Nam, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Association; and Leng Rithy, Chairman of the Vietnam-Cambodia Business Association (VCBA), along with leading entrepreneurs and investors from both countries.
Strengthening Investment Ties
Addressing the gathering, Nguyen Thi Thanh emphasised Cambodia’s growing appeal as a strategic investment hub for Vietnamese enterprises. “Cambodia is one of the key destinations for early investment under Vietnam’s overseas investment strategy. At present, Vietnam has over 200 investment projects in Cambodia, representing around 12 percent of our total overseas investment capital,” she said.
She added that these investments play an important role in driving Cambodia’s economic expansion, creating jobs, and fostering socio-economic development. Thanh reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation and enhancing bilateral investments in the coming years.
Key sectors attracting Vietnamese capital include renewable energy, green economy initiatives, agriculture, technology, tourism, and cross-border trade.
Growing Trade Momentum
According to the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE), bilateral trade between Cambodia and Vietnam surpassed $6.05 billion in the first nine months of 2025 — a 4.1 percent increase over the same period last year. Cambodian exports to Vietnam reached $2.94 billion, up 7.8 percent, while imports from Vietnam stood at $3.11 billion, marking a modest 0.8 percent rise.
Vietnam remains Cambodia’s third-largest international trading partner, following China and the United States. In 2024, total trade volume between the two countries reached $7.78 billion, an 18.2 percent increase compared to 2023, according to the GDCE. Cambodian exports climbed 21.6 percent to $3.61 billion, while imports grew 15.4 percent to $4.17 billion.
Forum Highlights and Opportunities
Speaking on behalf of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, Lav Kang stated that the Vietnam-Cambodia Business Forum 2025 served as a crucial platform to strengthen bilateral economic diplomacy and promote business partnerships.
“The forum allowed enterprises from both countries to showcase their capabilities, build direct connections, and explore collaboration opportunities. It is a space where Cambodian and Vietnamese investors can identify potential partners and develop joint ventures that advance mutual growth,” Kang said.
He encouraged more Vietnamese firms to explore Cambodia’s expanding investment landscape, noting the government’s pro-business reforms and strategic integration into global trade networks.
Cambodia’s Competitive Edge
Kang highlighted Cambodia’s advantageous position in international trade, supported by multiple free trade agreements including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement, Cambodia-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, and the newly signed Cambodia–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
“These agreements provide investors in Cambodia with preferential access to some of the world’s largest markets, making the country a highly competitive base for manufacturing, exports, and services,” he added.
As both nations strengthen their partnership through trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges, the Vietnam-Cambodia relationship continues to serve as a model of regional economic cooperation — fostering prosperity, connectivity, and mutual development across Southeast Asia.
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