Cambodia and US outline roadmap to bolster trade and security ties

Cambodia and US outline roadmap to bolster trade and security ties

Cambodian Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth and US Chargé d’Affaires Bridgette Walker met yesterday to establish a strategic roadmap to enhance trade, security, and regional stability. The high-level session at the Office of the Council of Ministers signalled a recalibration of bilateral relations, focusing on economic modernisation and addressing shared security challenges.

Vissoth praised the “positive trajectory” of the relationship, specifically crediting US mediation in the 2025 Kuala Lumpur Peace Deal. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to global partnerships under Prime Minister Hun Manet, noting Cambodia’s role as a founding member of the recently established Board of Peace.

A central fixture of the dialogue was the upcoming 4th Cambodia-US Dialogue on State and Private Sector Cooperation. Walker said that the US seeks a “level playing field” to attract high-calibre American firms to the region.

Vissoth said that economic diversification is fundamental to building national resilience, noting that Cambodia is prioritising US investment that integrates local industries into global supply chains and adds technical value to the workforce. He called for “open-door” consultations with American investors to dismantle regulatory hurdles and improve infrastructure, positioning Cambodia as a primary destination for US capital.

Addressing international concerns about online scams, Vissoth called the issue a “top priority” for the government. He countered perceptions that the problem is unique to Cambodia, describing it as a sophisticated, transnational plague affecting the global economy.

To safeguard the nation’s reputation and tourism sector, Vissoth outlined a four-pronged strategy currently in effect. This approach includes hardening digital infrastructure to prevent, taking aggressive law enforcement action against criminal hubs to suppress, raising public awareness to diminish the victim pool through education, and strengthening intelligence sharing with international allies like the US through partnerships.

Walker commended the “positive evolution” of the relationship and the consistent dialogue between the two nations.

khmertimeskh