Cambodia Underscores ASEAN-Russia Trade Ties at Eastern Economic Forum

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (Sept. 6, 2025) — LIM Phanphearak, undersecretary of state at Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce, reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to regional integration and trade cooperation during the 10th Eastern Economic Forum, held Sept. 3–6 in Vladivostok.

The annual forum drew more than 7,000 participants from 35 countries, including government officials, business leaders, academics and civil society representatives. LIM delivered remarks at the Russia-ASEAN Business Dialogue, emphasizing the growing economic partnership between the two regions. He cited ASEAN statistics showing bilateral trade with Russia reached $17 billion in 2024, a 12% year-on-year increase.

“Cambodia stands ready to contribute to the ASEAN-Russia Strategy Program on Trade and Investment 2026–2035,” LIM said, highlighting priorities such as trade facilitation, investment guarantees and macroeconomic stability.

On the sidelines of the forum, LIM met with Ivan Polyakov, chairman of the Russia-ASEAN Business Council, to promote Cambodia’s investment climate. He outlined incentives, protections and preferential market access through Cambodia’s free trade agreements. LIM also requested support in promoting Cambodian agricultural exports — including cashew nuts, cassava, pepper, corn and rubber — in Russian and Eurasian Economic Union markets.

LIM held further discussions with Roscongress International to explore joint business forums and Cambodian participation in major events such as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The forum concluded with a plenary session presided over by Russian President Vladimir Putin, alongside Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Mongolian Prime Minister Gombojav Zandanshatar and Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee.