​Cambodia, China launched investor dialogue to boost trade and ease hurdles

PHNOM PENH, Feb 9, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and China on Monday launched their first public-private dialogue aimed at deepening economic cooperation and easing investment hurdles, officials said.

Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), and Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin co-chaired the meeting, which brought together 80 representatives of Chinese companies operating in the kingdom.

Chanthol said the dialogue underscored Phnom Penh’s commitment to creating a more predictable and investor-friendly environment, allowing Chinese firms to raise challenges and seek solutions. He announced the forum will convene every six months to track progress, noting that China remains Cambodia’s largest investor and trading partner.

Ambassador Wang welcomed the initiative, stressing that the dialogue would help expand Chinese enterprises’ presence in Cambodia by jointly reviewing ways to improve the business climate. He highlighted that Chinese investment has already generated more than one million jobs, contributing to sustainable growth and trade expansion.

Participants discussed taxation, customs, logistics, energy, agriculture, agro-industry and labor issues, with both sides pledging to pursue mutually beneficial solutions to ensure a confident and harmonious investment environment.

​Cambodia’s trade with China surged to more than $19.7 billion in 2025, rising nearly 30 percent from the previous year, according to official customs data. Cambodian exports to China reached $1.68 billion, slightly down from 2024, while imports from China jumped over 34 percent to $18 billion. Key exports included agricultural products, furniture, jewelry and textiles, while imports were dominated by raw materials, consumer goods, vehicles, machinery and electronics