Vietnam and Cambodia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation across key sectors, with the shared goal of achieving USD 20 billion in two-way trade in the coming years.
This commitment was once again emphasized at the Vietnam–Cambodia Business Dialogue 2025, which provided a strategic platform for enterprises from both countries to explore investment opportunities and build long-term business partnerships in Cambodia.
High-Level Participation and Strategic Dialogue
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The event took place in early April 2025 in Phnom Penh, featuring the participation of senior Cambodian officials, including H.E. Suon Sophal, Deputy Secretary-General of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), and H.E. Ho Sivyong, Delegate of the Royal Government and Director General of Trade Support Services at the Ministry of Commerce.
The dialogue gathered around 150 delegates, representing Vietnamese enterprises, the Vietnamese Business Association in Cambodia (VCBA), and Vietnamese-origin businesses operating in the Kingdom.
The program was co-organized with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam (MOIT), the Business Association of Overseas Vietnamese (BAOOV), the Nguyen Tat Thanh University Business Club, the Ho Chi Minh City Construction and Building Materials Association, and the An Giang Business Association.
Strengthening Bilateral Economic Ties
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Cambodia, H.E. Nguyen Minh Vu, emphasized that the dialogue took place amid growing traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations—an enduring priority for both governments.
He highlighted the favorable political and economic environment that creates abundant opportunities for Vietnamese and Cambodian enterprises to expand cooperation, helping to realize the shared objective of reaching USD 20 billion in bilateral trade in the near future.
Despite global uncertainties, Vietnam remains Cambodia’s fifth-largest investor, with 215 projects totaling more than USD 2.94 billion.
Leading Vietnamese corporations in Cambodia include Metfone, BIDC Bank, Agribank, MB Bank, SHB Bank, Sacombank, Angkor Milk, and Thaco Agri.
Encouraging Deeper Market Engagement
Ms. Le Thi Mai Anh, Head of the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade delegation, called on Vietnamese enterprises to take advantage of emerging business and investment opportunities in Cambodia.
She encouraged businesses to conduct thorough market assessments and identify potential risks, thereby developing effective strategies to penetrate and sustain their presence in the Cambodian market.
The dialogue also aimed to compile and deliver business recommendations to relevant authorities of both countries—addressing challenges and promoting a more favorable investment and trade environment for Vietnamese companies and the Vietnamese business community in Cambodia.
Promoting Connectivity and Collaboration
VCBA Chairman Oknha Leng Rithy expressed confidence that the dialogue would offer valuable insights into market opportunities, policies, and potential partnerships, helping enterprises foster stronger business connections and facilitate investments in key sectors.
Similarly, H.E. Ho Sivyong from Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce voiced optimism that the event would deepen bilateral business relations and help identify new cooperation areas. He encouraged both Cambodian and Vietnamese investors to expand their projects with continued government support.
Sharing Success Stories and Exploring Opportunities
During the discussion sessions, delegates shared success stories, challenges, and practical solutions related to business operations in Cambodia.
They emphasized the importance of building a robust network among Vietnamese enterprises and investors in Cambodia to enhance cooperation, ensure timely access to market information, and address business-related difficulties effectively.
The event also featured an exhibition showcasing Vietnamese products, marking the beginning of a new phase of market engagement and collaboration between the two countries — benefiting both business communities and consumers alike.