On December 25, in Phnom Penh, the Vietnam Trade Office in Cambodia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) and the Vietnam–Cambodia Business Association (VCBA), organized the “Vietnam–Cambodia Trade and Investment Promotion Forum: Strengthening Cross-Border E-Commerce and Digital Economy Cooperation.”
The event aimed to support Vietnamese enterprises in finding trade and investment partners while enhancing connections within the business communities of both nations.
Forum Highlights and Key Participants
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According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), the forum gathered over 140 delegates, including government officials, experts, business leaders, and investors from both Vietnam and Cambodia.
Notable participants included representatives from:
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The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam
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The People’s Committee of Đồng Tháp Province
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The Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia
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The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC)
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The Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC)
More than 100 delegates represented Vietnamese and Cambodian enterprises, VCBA, CCC, and other business associations, reflecting strong bilateral interest.
Promoting Digital Trade and Mutual Growth
Opening the event, Mr. Oknha Leng Rithy, Chairman of VCBA, emphasized that in a rapidly digitalizing world where information is shared instantly, e-commerce has become a vital bridge connecting producers and consumers globally.
He noted that the forum serves as a platform to expand trade cooperation, foster digital transformation, and build a prosperous future for both nations.
Mr. Rithy highlighted that Vietnam–Cambodia economic and trade cooperation has achieved remarkable progress in recent years, contributing to national development on both sides. With the advancement of Industry 4.0 and regional economic integration, the potential for collaboration — especially in the digital economy and cross-border e-commerce — remains vast.
He expressed confidence that the forum would help businesses understand policies, identify suitable partners, and seize opportunities to enhance competitiveness and drive innovation.
Vietnamese Ambassador’s Remarks
Ambassador Nguyễn Huy Tăng of Vietnam to Cambodia praised the forum’s focus on e-commerce and the digital economy, noting its significance as both governments are currently prioritizing infrastructure and regulatory development in these areas.
He underscored that the event provides a valuable opportunity for businesses and investors from both countries to explore potential investments and partnerships, further strengthening bilateral economic ties.
Ambassador Tăng reiterated that fostering traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation, particularly in economics, trade, and investment, is a key diplomatic mission. Recent high-level visits between the two countries have reinforced this commitment.
He also noted that the new Cambodian government, under Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet, has shown great interest in expanding bilateral cooperation, especially in digital trade, logistics, and investment.
Digital Economy – A Pillar for Future Cooperation
Ambassador Tăng emphasized that both governments strongly support the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to accelerate regional digital integration.
This shared commitment provides a solid foundation for Vietnam and Cambodia to advance cross-border e-commerce, promote innovation, and enhance digital competitiveness.
He affirmed that to realize the leaders’ vision — particularly the goal of achieving USD 20 billion in bilateral trade — the business communities of both nations must play a central role in trade promotion, investment linkage, and digital transformation.
Agreements and Business Networking
Following the opening session, experts and policymakers from both countries delivered presentations on:
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“Current Practices and Policies for E-Commerce and Digital Economy Development in Vietnam”
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“Vietnam–Cambodia Investment and Trade Potential in the Context of Cross-Border E-Commerce”
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“Legal Framework for Bilateral Trade Facilitation”
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“Digital Economy Development Trends in Cambodia”
Within the forum’s framework, several business cooperation agreements were signed — notably a rice supply contractbetween Kon Khmer Co. Ltd and multiple Vietnamese enterprises operating in Cambodia.
The event also featured B2B networking sessions between members of VCBA, CCC, and the broader Vietnamese–Cambodian business community, reinforcing the spirit of connectivity and collaboration.
Conclusion
The forum demonstrated the shared commitment of Vietnam and Cambodia to strengthen digital economy cooperation, boost cross-border e-commerce, and create new investment opportunities in the digital era.
By leveraging technology, innovation, and partnership, both countries are well-positioned to build a more resilient and inclusive bilateral trade ecosystem, paving the way toward a sustainable and prosperous digital future.