Cambodia, Canada agree to expand investment flows

Cambodia, Canada agree to expand investment flows

Ambassador DesRoches tells Khmer Times that the Canadian government is working more closely than ever with Phnom Penh and private sector partners to expand trade and investment ties, as Ottawa pursues an ambitious diversification agenda.

Cambodia is looking to deepen its economic partnership with Canada as senior officials from both sides met Friday to push for greater investment cooperation, stronger investor outreach and broader economic engagement.

Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), received a courtesy call followed by a working discussion with Christian DesRoches, Canada’s Ambassador to Cambodia.

The talks, held at the CDC, centred on expanding bilateral economic opportunities and strengthening channels for Canadian investors seeking entry into Cambodia’s fast-evolving investment landscape.

The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated the positive outcomes of the recent Cambodian Investment Roadshow in Canada, which he said had “significantly broadened understanding of Cambodia’s investment potential” among Canadian businesses.

He noted that the mission served as a direct bridge between private-sector leaders from both countries, helping to clarify regulatory conditions, highlight competitive sectors and build confidence in Cambodia’s economic direction.

Chanthol also highlighted Cambodia’s position as the first country to sign a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States, describing it as a strategic advantage that strengthens Cambodia’s credibility and international standing.

Ambassador DesRoches expressed keen interest in Cambodia’s ongoing reforms and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to promoting a more accurate and positive perception of the Kingdom’s business environment.

The two sides also discussed Cambodia’s preparations to host the 6th Edition of the Francophonie Entrepreneur Meeting (REF) in 2026.

Speaking to Khmer Times recently, Ambassador DesRoches said the Canadian government is working more closely than ever with Phnom Penh and private sector partners to expand trade and investment ties, as Ottawa pursues an ambitious diversification agenda.

Ambassador DesRoches noted that Canada sees Cambodia and the wider Southeast Asian region as increasingly important markets in the decade ahead.

“The Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, recently participated in the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, where he committed to doubling Canada’s non-US exports within ten years. We see Cambodia and Southeast Asia as important markets to help us diversify our trading relationships,” he said.

khmertimeskh