Cambodia pushes for Eurasian trade pact at Russia-ASEAN Summit

Cambodia pushes for Eurasian trade pact at Russia-ASEAN Summit

Prime Minister Hun Manet thanks the Russian Federation for its longstanding contributions to Cambodia’s socio-economic development, noting that Russia has remained a valuable partner in supporting the Kingdom’s development efforts over the years.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to expanding economic partnerships and diversifying trade markets during a series of high-level meetings held on the sidelines of the Russia-ASEAN Commemorative Summit from June 17 to 18, marking the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations in Kazan, Russia.

Leading the Cambodian delegation, Mr Hun Manet met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior officials from regional intergovernmental organisations to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, trade and investment cooperation, and broader economic integration between Cambodia and Eurasian partners.

According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson Unit, Mr Hun Manet and Putin expressed satisfaction with the steady progress of Cambodia-Russia relations across multiple sectors and reaffirmed their long-term commitment to deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister thanked the Russian Federation for its longstanding contributions to Cambodia’s socio-economic development, noting that Russia has remained a valuable partner in supporting the Kingdom’s development efforts over the years.

The two leaders exchanged views on initiatives aimed at further enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, education, tourism, culture, and people-to-people connectivity.

Discussions also focused on identifying new opportunities for collaboration amid evolving regional and global economic conditions.

A key outcome of the visit was Cambodia’s renewed push to establish a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a regional economic bloc comprising Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia.

Mr Hun Manet also held a working meeting with Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), the executive regulatory body of the EAEU. The two sides explored ways to increase bilateral trade and examined the feasibility of negotiating an FTA between Cambodia and the bloc.

During the discussions, Mr Hun Manet highlighted Cambodia’s growing role as a regional trade hub and emphasised the country’s strategy of diversifying export markets and expanding economic partnerships. He noted that Cambodia offers investors and trading partners access not only to its domestic market but also to a broader regional network through its bilateral trade agreements, participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and membership in ASEAN.

“Cambodia serves as a strategic gateway to regional and international markets,” Mr Hun Manet said, underscoring the potential benefits an FTA could bring to both sides.

The Prime Minister later sought President Putin’s support for Cambodia’s proposal, recognising Russia’s influential role as one of the founding members of the EAEU.

Mr Hun Manet argued that an agreement with Cambodia would provide the EAEU with enhanced access to Southeast Asia’s dynamic economic landscape, including the ASEAN market, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing regional economies.

For his part, Sagintayev welcomed the progress made in Cambodia-EAEU relations over the past decade and acknowledged the significant untapped potential for expanding economic cooperation.

Both sides agreed that advancing discussions toward a future FTA could serve as a catalyst for increased trade flows, investment opportunities, and stronger economic ties. The meetings reflect Cambodia’s broader strategy of strengthening international economic partnerships and positioning itself as a bridge between Southeast Asia and emerging markets across Eurasia.

khmertimeskh