Cambodia and Malaysia have committed to a broad expansion of their bilateral relationship, targeting growth in sectors ranging from manufacturing and digital economy to renewable energy and food processing. The agreement was reached during the third Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) meeting held in Kuala Lumpur from August 3 to 4.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, co-chaired the discussions alongside Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan. The two nations plan to facilitate private sector partnerships by organizing upcoming trade forums, investment exhibitions, and business matching events.

Economic ties between the two countries have shown significant momentum, with bilateral trade reaching $795 million in the first half of 2024—a 57% increase compared to the previous year. According to data from the General Department of Customs and Excise, Cambodia’s exports to Malaysia rose by 64% to $113 million, while imports from Malaysia grew by 55.8% to $682 million.

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Beyond trade, the two delegations agreed to diversify agricultural cooperation to include cashews, aquaculture, and fertilizers. They also addressed human resource development, specifically focusing on technical and vocational education (TVET) and the protection of migrant workers. To bolster tourism, both sides intend to improve air connectivity through increased direct flights.

The meeting also explored emerging areas of collaboration, including artificial intelligence, climate change mitigation, disaster management, and public administration. The session concluded with the signing of the minutes of the third JCBC, which will serve as a roadmap for bilateral cooperation in the coming years. Prior to the commission meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn met with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim to discuss regional stability and historical cooperation.

Source: Khmer Times