Cambodia, Brazil explore investment pact and free trade deal to deepen ties

PHNOM PENH, July 17, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and Brazil are considering a bilateral investment protection pact and a free trade agreement as part of efforts to expand economic cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy and financial technology, officials said Thursday.

The initiatives were discussed during talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aun Pornmoniroth and Brazilian Ambassador Vivian Loss Sanmartin on July 15.

Pornmoniroth welcomed the envoy and praised the growing relationship, noting the opening of Brazil’s resident embassy in Phnom Penh in 2024 as a milestone. He said bilateral trade had surged to about US$186 million in 2025, up more than 81 percent from the previous year, driven largely by Cambodian exports of tires and garments.

Both sides agreed to explore medium‑ and long‑term cooperation by leveraging comparative strengths, particularly in agriculture, renewable energy and FinTech. Phnom Penh highlighted reforms including the National FinTech Development Policy, competitiveness programmes and measures to streamline procedures, digitalize services and strengthen investor confidence.

Brazil expressed readiness to share expertise in agriculture, energy and banking, and to support research collaboration and technical exchanges.

The two countries would study the feasibility of a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, a Cambodia–Brazil Free Trade Agreement and a Double Taxation Agreement to facilitate investment and expand trade.

Sanmartin reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to promoting investment, expanding trade and strengthening private‑sector partnerships to tap untapped potential. Pornmoniroth thanked Brazil for its support and voiced confidence that relations would continue to grow, delivering prosperity and mutual benefits.