Cambodia and Vietnam pledge to hit $20B bilateral trade

Cambodia and Vietnam pledge to hit $20B bilateral trade

Cambodia and Vietnam have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic cooperation, expanding bilateral trade towards $20 billion and promoting joint investment across key sectors, including agro-industry, logistics, clean energy, tourism, aviation and telecommunications.

The commitment was highlighted during the Cambodia-Vietnam Business Forum 2026, held at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra on Friday, under the high-level chairmanship of Prime Minister Hun Manet and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

The forum was jointly organised by the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), Ministry of Commerce (MoC) and Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance, bringing together approximately 300 representatives from government institutions and the business communities of both countries.

The event provided a platform for government officials and business leaders to explore investment opportunities, strengthen commercial partnerships and identify ways to further expand economic relations between the two neighboring countries.

A key priority was advancing bilateral trade towards the $20 billion target, reflecting the shared ambition to deepen commercial exchanges and unlock additional opportunities for businesses in both markets.

Beyond increasing trade volumes, the forum also highlighted the importance of transforming transport connectivity into closer cooperation across production networks and industrial supply chains. Stronger links between businesses in Cambodia and Vietnam could support cross-border investment, facilitate the movement of goods and help connect enterprises to wider regional markets.

The two countries also identified agro-industry, logistics, clean energy and tourism as important areas for investment cooperation. These sectors offer opportunities to strengthen production capacity, improve supply-chain efficiency and encourage businesses to develop partnerships that can contribute to broader economic growth.

In agro-industry, closer cooperation could support agricultural processing and strengthen connections between producers, investors and markets. Improved logistics and transport links could also help facilitate trade and the movement of products across borders, while investment in clean energy and tourism could create additional opportunities for businesses in both countries.

The forum also featured the exchange of three sets of cooperation certificates and documents aimed at expanding bilateral business relations.

The first involved Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance and Truong Hai Agriculture JSC (THACO AGRI), part of Truong Hai Group. The second involved Cambodia Airports Investment Co., Ltd. (CAIC), associated with Techo International Airport, and Vietnam Airlines. The third was between Cambodia’s Angkor Data Communication Group and Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT).

The exchanges highlighted cooperation involving agriculture, aviation and telecommunications, demonstrating the range of business sectors in which Cambodia and Vietnam are seeking to strengthen commercial links.

Cooperation in aviation and telecommunications is particularly relevant to regional connectivity, as transport services and communications infrastructure support business operations, facilitate travel and help connect companies and markets.

Meanwhile, stronger agricultural cooperation could help create opportunities for investment in production and processing, while improved logistics connectivity could support the movement of goods and strengthen cross-border supply chains.

The participation of approximately 300 government and business representatives also reflected the importance of bringing the public and private sectors together to identify practical opportunities for cooperation. Continued engagement between businesses and government institutions will be important in translating agreements and investment discussions into commercial activities.

Cambodia has consistently welcomed investment from Vietnam and other international partners as it seeks to strengthen its economy, diversify investment and expand its participation in regional and global markets.

The forum reinforced the message that geographical proximity can serve as an economic advantage when supported by stronger trade links, industrial cooperation and investment partnerships.

As Cambodia and Vietnam pursue their bilateral trade ambitions, continued cooperation across key economic sectors is expected to remain an important part of efforts to strengthen their economic partnership and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

khmertimeskh