Cambodia pushes to boost exports to Canada

Cambodia pushes to boost exports to Canada

Cambodia is stepping up efforts to expand exports to Canada, the Ministry of Commerce said yesterday, with a seminar in Kampong Speu focusing on tariff preference schemes and trade requirements.

The seminar on “Promoting Cambodia’s Potential Products to the Canadian Market” was hosted by Ministry of Commerce Undersecretary of State Sam Sithisak, Kampong Speu Deputy Governor Cheav Vicheak and Kampong Speu Provincial Department of Commerce Director Nhel Sambo, alongside representatives from companies, exporters, students and officials.

Speaking at the event, Sithisak said Canada represents a high-potential market for Cambodian goods. He added that the government, through the Ministry of Commerce, continues to open new market opportunities and maintain trade preference arrangements to support exports.

“However, to fully benefit from the Canadian market, the private sector — particularly local companies — must understand legal regulations, export procedures and rules of origin to secure tariff preferences and reduce risks,” he said.

He added that Canada’s tariff preference programmes provide significant opportunities but require strict compliance with documentation standards, sanitary requirements and rules of origin. He said the seminar served as both an information platform and a forum to help participants address challenges and prepare to capture opportunities.

He also encouraged youth, students and researchers to deepen their understanding of global economic trends and emerging technologies to strengthen Cambodian product value chains through innovation and sustainability.

Vicheak praised the ministry and provincial authorities for organising the seminar, stressing that knowledge of tariff preferences and export requirements is essential for Cambodian products to compete internationally.

He pledged Kampong Speu’s commitment to supporting private sector development and promoting trade and investment for sustainable growth.

On the occasion, Kampong Speu Provincial Department of Commerce Director Sambo urged entrepreneurs, producers, students and researchers to apply the knowledge gained to promote the province’s key products — including agriculture, industry, handicrafts, garments and footwear — and contribute to Cambodia’s wider economic development.

In April, Prime Minister Hun Manet and Canadian Ambassador to Cambodia Christian DesRoches discussed strengthening economic ties and pledged their readiness to boost trade and investment cooperation.

The ambassador underscored Canada’s commitment to expanding cooperation, especially in trade and economic relations, while supporting the Royal Government’s development priorities.

khmertimeskh