Phnom Penh (VNA) – A Vietnam–Cambodia business networking conference took place in Svay Rieng province, Cambodia, on August 27, aiming to strengthen bilateral trade links and foster long-term cooperation between enterprises of the two countries.

The event was co-organised by the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Svay Rieng provincial Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking at the opening, Svay Rieng’s Deputy Governor Sokha Ram highlighted the significance of the conference, expressing confidence that it would create opportunities for businesses to expand cooperation and build successful partnerships.

He affirmed that Svay Rieng will provide favourable conditions for investors, particularly those from Vietnam, with incentives for enterprises operating in the province’s industrial zones.

Oknha Sok Rado, President of the Svay Rieng provincial Chamber of Commerce, stressed that the event offers an opportunity for businesses to introduce products, explore trade and investment potential, and contribute to the Vietnam-Cambodia relations.

Bui Quang Hung, deputy head of Vietrade, underscored the importance of border trade, noting that Svay Rieng serves as a dynamic gateway for bilateral economic exchange. In recent years, agricultural cooperation and border trade between the two sides have achieved positive results.

Vietnam’s key exports to Svay Rieng in particular and Cambodia in general include processed agricultural products, construction materials, consumer goods, machinery, fertilisers, and plastics. Cambodia mainly exports cashew nuts, rubber, rice, mangoes, pineapples, papayas, honey, and cassava starch.

According to Hung, the complementary nature of the two sides’ trade structures provides strong potential for growth, with both countries targeting 20 billion USD in trade in the near future.

He noted that the bilateral trade promotion agreement for 2025–2026, signed in April this year, has given new momentum by lowering tariffs, streamlining customs procedures, and strengthening supply chain connectivity. Both countries’ participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement further enhances infrastructure and logistics connectivity, and cross-border trade.

Hung emphasised the need to build value chains in agriculture, processing industries, construction materials, and consumer goods, while promoting trade fairs, exhibitions, and regular business forums. He also called for stronger cooperation in logistics, e-commerce, and digital transformation to reduce costs and raise efficiency.

At the provincial level, Nguyen Duy Linh Thao, Deputy Director of An Giang province’s Department of Industry and Trade, noted that An Giang shares a 148 km border with Cambodia, with three international and two main border gates facilitating trade.

She expressed hope that local enterprises would gain deeper insights into Cambodian consumer demand, from pricing to packaging, to optimise exports.

♛ During the event, businesses from Vietnam and Svay Rieng held direct exchanges, presented products, and discussed opportunities./.