Cambodia and Vietnam Strengthen Bilateral Relations, Target USD 20 Billion Trade by 2026
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Ho Chi Minh City — Cambodia and Vietnam have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral trade and strengthening diplomatic cooperation, setting an ambitious goal to raise trade volume to USD 20 billion by 2026.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting between Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, and Trần Thanh Mẫn, Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, on the sidelines of Vietnam’s 50th National Reunification Anniversary celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City.
Strategic Trade and Economic Cooperation
Highlighting the robust economic partnership, the two leaders expressed strong support for a new Cambodia–Vietnam trade agreement for 2025–2026, signed in Hanoi on April 28, 2025. The agreement includes the creation of a joint trade commission to facilitate cross-border commerce and resolve logistical issues.
This initiative builds on growing trade volumes and aligns with both countries’ efforts to enhance regional integration under ASEAN cooperation frameworks.
Cambodia’s Symbolic Participation in National Reunification Day
Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn warmly welcomed the Cambodian delegation, expressing appreciation for their participation in the celebrations. A highlight was the inclusion of 120 Cambodian soldiers in a grand military parade, symbolising the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen congratulated the Vietnamese government and people for the successful organisation of the historic event and highlighted the significance of April 30 — not only for Vietnam’s reunification in 1975 but also for Cambodia’s ASEAN membership milestone in 1999, which was formalised in Ho Chi Minh City.
Reinforcing Parliamentary and Governmental Ties
The meeting also focused on strengthening parliamentary diplomacy. Both leaders recognised the importance of legislative cooperation in advancing bilateral relations. Samdech Techo Hun Sen acknowledged the success of recent high-level parliamentary exchanges, including:
- The 2023 official visit by Cambodia’s National Assembly President to Vietnam
- The 2024 reciprocal visit by Vietnam’s National Assembly President to Cambodia
Hun Sen proposed continued parliamentary support for government initiatives and affirmed the Cambodian Senate’s readiness to enhance collaboration across legislative and executive branches.
Proposal for Vietnam-Cambodia Parliamentary Friendship Association
Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn proposed the creation of a Vietnam-Cambodia Parliamentary Friendship Association, aimed at institutionalising regular engagement and policy exchange between lawmakers. Samdech Techo Hun Sen endorsed the idea, calling it a positive step toward deeper diplomatic alignment.
Recognition of Cambodia’s Development
The Vietnamese parliamentary chief praised Cambodia’s rapid economic development, stability, and governance progress, which he witnessed firsthand during his 2024 visit. He acknowledged Cambodia’s efforts in infrastructure, trade, and public administration reforms.
Long-Term Vision for Regional Integration
Both sides reiterated the need to enhance cooperation across multiple channels — including trade, politics, governance, and people-to-people exchanges. The leaders emphasised the value of shared goals in maintaining peace, stability, and mutual economic prosperity in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
