Senate president Hun Sen (right) meets with Indian ambassador Bawitlung Vanlalvawna. SHS
Recently appointed Indian Ambassador to Cambodia Bawitlung Vanlalvawna has committed to expanding India-Cambodia bilateral trade relations and encouraging more Indian investors and tourists to visit the Kingdom.
The ambassador paid a courtesy call on Senate president Hun Sen at the Senate on March 13.
Hun Sen welcomed the ambassador and congratulated him on his appointment.
The Senate president expressed his hope that the relationship between the governments and people of both countries would continue to improve.
He noted that while the current India-Cambodia bilateral relationship is already strong, he looked forward to further strengthening ties and hoped to enjoy more exchanges between the leadership of the two countries.
Hun Sen added that beyond political and diplomatic relations, he also seeks an increase in financial exchanges between the two countries as their trade activities do not yet fully exploit the economic potential of either nation.
“I want to see the commercial and investment relations grow further to align with the economic potential between the two countries,” he said.
He also urged the establishment of additional direct flights between the two countries, to further strengthen the connection between the people, governments and legal institutions of both countries, given that India has the largest population in the world.
The Ministry of Tourism reported that in 2024, the total number of Indian tourists visiting Cambodia was 77,632, an increase of 12.8% over 2023. Of the total, 58,743 were tourists, with the remainder being business travellers.
Currently, Air Cambodia operates direct flights between Phnom Penh and New Delhi, while IndiGo flies between Kolkata and Siem Reap.
Ambassador Vanlalvawna pledged to work to improve bilateral ties. He added that India and Cambodia have maintained a strong friendship since 1952, and noted that 2027 will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
He explained that India will work closely with Cambodia to organise a memorable celebration for the anniversary.
Vanlalvawna also outlined several key areas that both countries need to further strengthen, such as in the economic, commercial and investment sectors, in order to enhance the political relations between the two nations.
“India will make a concerted effort to expand trade relations, encouraging more Indian investors and citizens to come for business and tourism in Cambodia. India and Cambodia have a long-standing friendship and close relations,” he said.
The General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia reported that in 2024 bilateral trade between Cambodia and India was valued at $345.05 million, a 29% decline compared to 2023.
Cambodia exported goods worth $154.32 million to India, a 47.3% decrease, while India exported goods worth $190.72 million to Cambodia, a 1% decrease.
