The Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has agreed in principle to the establishment of a Cambodia-Australia Business Advisory Council to promote economic and commercial corporation between the two countries.

The endorsement came after a request by Australian businessmen and an official letter from the Ministry of Commerce regarding the establishment of the council.

“The council will meet regularly to set up strategic planning and execution for the promotion of bilateral business and investments, and will host events such as business seminars, trade missions, and other promotional activities,” said a January 5 CCC press statement.

According to the statement, the council has two main tasks: to provide advice on attracting foreign direct investment and trade to strengthen and provide access and to link Australian and international companies in order to promote investment, trade and tourism to Cambodia.

Reach Ra, secretary of state at the commerce ministry, said the ministry has requested input from the CCC on the possibility of forming the Cambodia-Australia Business Advisory Council.

He said his ministry had received notice from the foreign affairs ministry regarding the establishment of the Cambodia-Australia Business Advisory Group (CABAG).

He said CABAG, which will now be known as the Cambodia-Australia Business Advisory Council, will be a volunteer group which will spread information and bring Australia companies and entrepreneurs to Cambodia. The council will mobilise companies and entrepreneurs in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.

“The council will hold workshops on business, their mission, trading and other promotional activities,” Ra said.