Cambodia, Dubai Chambers Push to Expand Trade and Investment Cooperation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec.1, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce hosted talks with Dubai Chambers aimed at strengthening economic and trade cooperation, particularly between the private sectors of both countries.

Secretary of State Samheng Bora met with Salem Al Shamsi, executive vice president of international relations at Dubai Chambers, on November 27, to discuss opportunities under the Cambodia–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Bora highlighted Cambodia’s trade policy and efforts to promote exports of agricultural products such as rice and cashew nuts, while underscoring investment opportunities in infrastructure and industry.

Al Shamsi praised Cambodia’s economic growth, citing the new Techo International Airport as a sign of progress. He also announced the Dubai Chambers’ “New Horizons Roadshow,” held Nov. 27–28 in Phnom Penh, designed to connect Cambodian and Emirati businesses and expand private sector cooperation.

Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates have reported rapid growth in bilateral trade, reaching about $47 million in the first half of 2025, with Cambodian exports including clothing, footwear, rubber and agricultural goods. The CEPA, which entered into force earlier this year, provides preferential access for Cambodian products to Gulf markets while positioning Cambodia as a gateway for the UAE into ASEAN’s 680 million consumers.

Dubai Chambers, representing more than 200,000 companies, has identified Cambodia as a strategic hub for expansion, with investment interest spanning construction, food and beverages, healthcare, and energy. The agreement is expected to drive long-term cooperation, with non-oil trade projected to surpass $1 billion by 2030.

Officials said the latest meeting reflects both sides’ commitment to deepening ties, fostering private sector partnerships, and advancing shared economic goals.