Japan Pledges Stronger Investment, Supply Chain Cooperation with Cambodia as Ambassador Concludes Mission

PHNOM PENH, July 23, 2026 (KPT) – Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding investment and strengthening supply chain cooperation with Cambodia as Ambassador Ueno Atsushi concluded his diplomatic mission, pledging that Tokyo will remain a long‑term partner in the kingdom’s development.

During a farewell meeting with Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet at the Peace Palace, Ueno said Japan would continue supporting Cambodia in logistics, the digital economy and security. He pointed to the growing presence of major firms such as Toyota, which have contributed to job creation, technology transfer and skills development.

The ambassador expressed satisfaction with the steady progress of bilateral ties and thanked the Cambodian government for incentives that enabled achievements in trade, investment, security and defense.

Hun Manet congratulated Ueno on his tenure and highlighted reforms to improve the investment climate, including restructuring the Council for the Development of Cambodia and modernizing tax administration to boost investor confidence.

Both sides discussed expanding cooperation in high‑potential sectors and strengthening connectivity through projects such as the Sihanoukville Deep‑Sea Port, seen as key to transforming Cambodia into a regional logistics hub.

Two‑way trade reached US$1.429 billion in the first half of 2026, with Cambodian exports to Japan up 20.3 percent year‑on‑year. Imports from Japan rose 11 percent to US$523 million. Bilateral trade totaled US$2.53 billion in 2025, up 17.14 percent from 2024, underscoring steady momentum in economic relations.