The Cambodian Ministry of Commerce (MoC) is actively seeking to bolster Japanese investment within the nation’s borders. This effort comes on the heels of major expansions by significant business entities, such as Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing Corporation (Cambodia) Co Ltd. The MoC sees immense potential for Japanese entities to plunge into the diverse investment opportunities available within Cambodia.
Recently, Lork Piseth, Secretary of State of the MoC, led a delegation to the ‘8th Cambodia Festival 2024’ held on May 3-4. This event, a cultural showcase of Cambodia, was held in collaboration with the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Japan, the Cambodia Festival Committee, the Khmer community, and Khmer and Japanese students. The festival attracted 30,000 visitors and encompassed a celebration of Cambodian culture, trade, and tourism at Yoyogi Park, Tokyo.
The opening ceremony was graced by key figures, including Tuy Ry, the Cambodian Ambassador to Japan, Imamura Masahiro, a member of the House of Representatives and Chairperson of the Japan-Cambodia Friendship Parliamentary League (JCFPL), and Hosaka Yasushi, the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Piseth took the opportunity to elaborate on Cambodia’s economic advancements and its exponential growth across various sectors. He delineated Japan as a pivotal trade ally and encouraged more Japanese investment, citing the recent business inaugurals by major Japanese firms, such as Minebea (Cambodia) Co Ltd, Aeon Mall (Cambodia) Co Ltd, and Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing Corporation (Cambodia) Co Ltd. The latter’s inauguration was presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet on May 2.
Prior to the festival, Piseth, alongside Ambassador Ry, engaged in discussions with Susumu Tai, the Honorary Consul of Cambodia in Sendai, in a meeting focused on trade and economic collaboration, the annual ‘Cambodia Festival’ participation, and an update on the amendment request through MoC to reform RGC’s decision No 43 SSR.
MoC representatives have disclosed that the annual ‘Cambodia Festival’ in Japan is a strategic initiative to promote Cambodian commodities, gastronomy, culture, and tourism to the Japanese populace and international visitors. This year witnessed over 90 booths demonstrating Khmer craftsmanship and culinary delights. Seven Khmer enterprises led by the MoC were prominently featured.
Cultural enrichment was evident through traditional Khmer dance showcases by art collectives from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MCFA), dance numbers by Khmer youth residing in Japan, modern musical renditions, modeling of traditional Khmer attire by members of the ‘Cambodian Students’ Association’ in Japan, and Kun Khmer martial arts exhibitions. The festival presented a culturally rich platform reflecting the Kingdom’s legacy, while simultaneously paving the way for deeper economic and trade collaborations between Cambodia and Japan.
Source: Khmer Times
