At the 16th Cambodian & Import-Export Goods Exhibition, Oum Kosal, undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Commerce, highlighted the significance of the trade event held between Cambodian and foreign businesspeople. 

The annual exposition’s objective is to facilitate collaboration, enhance Cambodia’s product exports globally and create more opportunities for foreign investments.

He said the event, held on Phnom Penh’s Koh Pich and concluded on December 18, is crucial for investors and businesspeople, providing valuable information on business and investment opportunities and potential business partners within Cambodia.

Kosal said that it signifies a robust and significant commitment to trade cooperation between Cambodian and foreign businesses. The goal is to foster enterprise promotion, entrepreneurship and informal economic development with a strategic focus on continual improvement, contributing to growth and job creation.

“This marks a significant occasion for investors and businesspeople seeking information on investment opportunities and local business partners. On behalf of the ministry, I extend a warm welcome to all foreign businesspeople and investors for their projects in Cambodia,” he said.

He added that the government has outlined a long-term and clear vision to elevate Cambodia to an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income one by 2050. A new investment law has been enacted to improve the national business and investment climate, marking a significant milestone in fostering economic growth, bilateral and multilateral trade, and attracting foreign direct investment.

Chan Sokheang, president of the Cambodian Rice Federation (CRF) – the Kingdom’s apex rice industry body – noted his pride in participation, not only in the exhibition but also in a trade meeting organised by the commerce ministry as these events offered the CRF the opportunity to exchange insights with several foreign trade associations.

“We commend the efforts of all involved parties for their commitment and effective cooperation in orchestrating this event. We encourage the consistent continuation of such gatherings to foster ongoing trade cooperation,” he said.

The four-day exhibition brought together trade partners from Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, China, South Korea, Pakistan, India, Turkiye, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, France and Germany, along with representatives from both the public and private sectors. The event showcased 86 domestic companies and 232 booths, with 164 specifically designated for local participants.