Australia reaffirms long‑term partnership with Cambodia as trade, investment deepen

PHNOM PENH, July 23, 2026 (KPT) – Australia has reaffirmed its long‑term commitment to Cambodia, citing expanding trade, investment opportunities, clean energy cooperation and regional security as pillars of a deepening partnership.

Australian Ambassador Derek Yip said ties between the two countries are built on “mutual respect, trust, goodwill and strong people‑to‑people links,” with progress across multiple sectors in the past year.

Bilateral trade has grown by more than 25 percent annually since 2021, reaching about US$1.2 billion in 2025. Yip said Australia is also supporting Cambodia’s transition to a greener economy through technical training, institutional capacity and infrastructure for clean energy.

He highlighted cooperation on regional security, including joint efforts against transnational crime, and Australia’s investment in human capital through education and leadership programs. “We’re investing in young Cambodians to become ASEAN’s future leaders,” he said.

At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, Yip stressed the importance of strong regional partnerships. “Australia is committed to working with Cambodia and partners across Southeast Asia to strengthen growth and resilience and keep our region peaceful, stable and prosperous,” he said.

Momentum has grown since Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn’s visit to Australia in March, when he urged Australian businesses to expand investment in priority sectors including education, agriculture, clean energy and healthcare.

Cambodia has acknowledged Australia’s long‑standing development partnership, which has provided about US$1.4 billion in assistance since 1992, along with scholarships enabling more than 1,100 Cambodians to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia.

The deepening relationship comes as Cambodia strengthens integration into regional markets. The Ministry of Commerce said merchandise trade with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) members reached US$24.43 billion in the first half of 2026, up 23.9 percent year‑on‑year. Australia is one of the 15 member economies of the world’s largest free trade pact.