Ho Chi Minh City, July 15 – The Vietnam-Cambodia Business Networking Conference, held in Ho Chi Minh City on July 15, marked a significant step forward in strengthening economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. The high-level event brought together over 200 Cambodian and Vietnamese business leaders, government officials, and investors to explore opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment.
The conference was jointly organized by the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Vietnam-Cambodia Business Federation Association (VCBA). The event served as a platform to promote stronger economic linkages, encourage business-to-business collaboration, and identify broader markets for Cambodian products.
Leading the Cambodian delegation was Neak Oknha Kith Meng, President of the CCC and Chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council. In his address, Kith Meng emphasized the growing economic partnership between Cambodia and Vietnam and reaffirmed the shared commitment to further elevate trade volumes. He highlighted the two countries’ ambitious target of reaching US$20 billion in bilateral trade in the coming years.
“Cambodia and Vietnam enjoy strong and growing economic relations. Our goal of achieving US$20 billion in bilateral trade reflects the immense potential and determination of our business communities,” Kith Meng stated.
He also pointed out Vietnam’s role as one of Cambodia’s top five foreign investors, with over 200 registered projects valued at nearly US$3 billion. These investments span diverse sectors including agriculture, telecommunications, banking, finance, food processing, mining, aviation, and tourism.
Kith Meng encouraged Vietnamese businesses to expand their footprint in Cambodia and leverage the country’s strategic location, investor-friendly policies, and emerging market potential. He reiterated the CCC’s support for initiatives that foster long-term partnerships and tangible business outcomes.
Chairman of the VCBA, Oknha Leng Rithy, echoed similar sentiments, calling for continued collaboration between the CCC and VCBA. He expressed optimism that with strong governmental coordination, Vietnamese enterprises operating in Cambodia will continue to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of both nations.
“We hope to see more investment flowing both ways, harnessing the unique strengths of our countries for mutual benefit. The CCC’s continued cooperation is crucial in realizing this vision,” Rithy said.
The conference also served as a venue for networking, sharing insights on regulatory frameworks, and presenting sector-specific opportunities in both countries. Senior officials from Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce participated in the discussions, highlighting policies aimed at boosting foreign investment and trade diversification.
The momentum in economic ties is evident in recent trade figures. In 2024, Cambodia-Vietnam bilateral trade volume surged to more than US$10 billion, marking a 53 percent increase compared to the previous year. This growth underscores the strong demand for goods and services between the two nations and the increasing confidence of the private sector in regional cooperation.
As Cambodia and Vietnam continue to strengthen their economic relationship, events like the Vietnam-Cambodia Business Networking Conference play a vital role in facilitating dialogue, enhancing connectivity, and fostering long-term development partnerships.
Also read, Cambodia and Vietnam Strengthen Bilateral Relations, Target USD 20 Billion Trade by 2026
