Cambodia, Vietnam trade nears $7.8B amid stronger ties

Cambodia, Vietnam trade nears $7.8B amid stronger ties

Leaders celebrate enduring diplomatic bonds amid joint political commitments and surging financial exchanges.

Cambodia and Vietnam have pledged to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across political, economic and people-to-people ties, as senior officials highlighted growing trade and high-level exchanges at a reception marking Vietnam’s 81st National Day.

The reception at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra on Thursday brought together more than 500 guests, including National Assembly President Khuon Sudary, senior officials and cabinet members.

It also featured a photo exhibition highlighting major diplomatic activities between Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as promotional booths showcasing Vietnamese-linked businesses and services operating in Cambodia, including Vietnam Airlines, BIDC Bank, Angkor Milk and Medlatec Cambodia.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Minh Vu and Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun delivered remarks during the celebration.

Ambassador Vu said relations between the two countries had been elevated through high-level visits and strengthened political trust. He noted state visits and official exchanges involving top leadership from both nations over recent months.

Bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation has remained a key pillar of the relationship, with trade turnover reaching nearly $7.8 billion in the first seven months of 2026, an increase of 10.3% compared with the same period last year.

“I firmly believe that the relations of ‘good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability’ between Vietnam and Cambodia will continue to be consolidated and developed across all fields, elevating the bilateral cooperation to new heights that are increasingly cohesive, effective, and substantive,” he said.

Ambassador Vu also praised Cambodia’s political stability, macroeconomic management and hosting of major international events.

For his part, Savoeun said Cambodia attaches great importance to its close ties and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam, describing the partnership as being founded on mutual respect and assistance.

“Our friendship is unique and invaluable,” he said.

He recalled historical support between the nations, including Cambodia’s backing of Vietnam’s struggle for independence and the sacrifices made by Vietnamese volunteer forces in liberating Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge regime. Savoeun also congratulated Vietnam on its robust economic development and voiced optimism about its long-term national goals.

khmertimeskh