Local and foreign producers and investors are being encouraged by the Ministry of Commerce to participate in the upcoming Cambodia Import-Export Goods Exhibition.

In its 15th year, the annual expo aims to promote economic activities of sectors hit hard by Covid-19, the ministry said in an announcement.

It said the expo will be held from December 15-18 at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre on Phnom Penh’s Koh Pich island.

“The event aims to promote trade and investment activities, export diversification and internal all-round economic connectivity in contribution to the economic development of Cambodia.

“The Ministry of Commerce will offer priority to local enterprises or international companies wishing to showcase their products, services or investment projects at the event,” it said.

An official with the Department of Exhibition Affairs under the ministry’s General Directorate of Trade Promotion, who asked not to be named, told The Post on Wednesday that the exhibition is designed to improve trade, business and investment activities in the wake of the Covid-19-led slump.

“Our business and economic activities have been constrained for a while due to the Covid-19 outbreak and we’ve heard complaints from local producers that they cannot sell their products.

“The exhibition will be a key platform for them to display their products for sale to the public and potential investment partners. We expect the exhibition will give them a chance to showcase their products or investment projects to the public,” the official said.

The official said, however, the exhibition will only have 100 booths due to Covid-19 compliance requirements.

“If the situation takes a more serious turn, we will seek approval to delay [the event] until next year.”

According to the ministry’s announcement, necessary safety measures will be in place in accordance with national health standards.