Cambodia, Canada Eye Deeper Trade and Investment Ties Through ASEAN Framework

TORONTO, Cananda (Oct.30, 2025) — Cambodia and Canada are laying the groundwork for stronger trade and investment cooperation, with plans to leverage the ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Agreement and expand bilateral engagement in key sectors.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol met with Canadian Secretary of State for International Trade and International Development Yasir Naqvi on Oct. 29 to discuss a shared vision for economic growth.

The meeting, held during Chanthol’s official visit to Canada, focused on boosting trade, attracting investment, and deepening Cambodia’s role in the ASEAN–Canada cooperation framework.

Chanthol outlined Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I, which includes reforms to improve the business climate and attract foreign direct investment.

He invited Canadian investors to explore opportunities in technology, green industries, infrastructure and other priority sectors.

He also reaffirmed Cambodia’s support for the ongoing ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Agreement negotiations, calling the pact a potential catalyst for regional growth.

Naqvi praised Cambodia’s reform efforts and emphasized the importance of ASEAN partnerships within Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Both officials agreed to promote sustainable development, enhance people-to-people ties, and pursue transparent investment practices.

The meeting was part of a broader Cambodian delegation visit aimed at strengthening economic partnerships across North America.

Cambodia exported goods worth $22.39 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a 12.9% increase from $19.83 billion during the same period last year, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise.

Top export destinations included the United States, Vietnam, China, Japan and Canada. Key exports ranged from garments, footwear and travel goods to agricultural products like rice, rubber, bananas and mangoes. Imports totaled $24.61 billion, up 16.6% from $21.1 billion last year. Major imports included oil and gas, raw materials for manufacturing, vehicles, electronics, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, the report said.