Cambodia, U.S. Vow Deeper Trade, Investment Ties After Landmark Pacts

PHNOM PENH, July 21, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and the United States have pledged to deepen trade and investment ties, building on landmark agreements signed this year that officials say will boost economic connectivity and open new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

The commitment was highlighted during talks between Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), and Aleksandra Zittle, the newly appointed U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Phnom Penh on July 20.

Chanthol pointed to the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), which made Cambodia the first country in the region to conclude such a pact with Washington. He said the deal would enhance predictability and promote greater market openness.

He also cited the Open Skies Agreement, signed June 30 in Washington, as a milestone expected to modernize civil aviation, pave the way for direct flights and expand cargo services.

The two sides also noted a Letter of Intent between the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) for a proposed US$100 million financing package to support Techo International Airport, one of Cambodia’s largest infrastructure projects.

Discussions covered ways to attract more U.S. foreign direct investment, expand bilateral trade and cooperate on projects including the Funan Techo Integrated Water Management scheme. They also exchanged views on Cambodia’s efforts to combat online scams and on regional security.

Zittle praised Cambodia’s socio‑economic progress and reaffirmed U.S. support for peaceful resolution of border disputes with Thailand under international law. Both sides concluded by pledging to strengthen friendship and expand cooperation for long‑term benefit.

Cambodia’s exports to the United States reached more than US$7 billion in the first half of 2026, up 29.8 percent year‑on‑year, customs data showed. Two‑way trade in 2025 totaled US$13.14 billion, a 29.2 percent increase from 2024, with Cambodian exports rising 28.5 percent to US$12.73 billion and imports from the U.S. surging 57.8 percent to US$417 million.