Hundreds of Vietnamese and Cambodian enterprises gathered in Svay Rieng, Cambodia, on August 27 for the Vietnam–Cambodia Business Networking Conference, according to a report from Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

Cambodia is currently Vietnam’s fìth-largest trading partner within ASEAN, after Singapore, Thailand, Indonessia and Malaysia. In 2024 alone, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Cambodia reached nearly $12 billion, a 15% increase from the previous year. The two countries have set a target to raise this figure to $20 billion by 2027.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Sokha Ram, Deputy Governor of Svay Rieng province, emphasized the conference as a vital opportunity for businesses from both countries to build collaborative networks and pursue sustainable development. He affirmed Svay Rieng’s commitment to creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises investing in Cambodia’s industrial zones.

Mr. Bui Quang Hung, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, highlighted Svay Rieng’s strategic location as a key border gateway for Vietnam–Cambodia trade. In recent years, the two countries have seen positive outcomes in goods exchange, agricultural cooperation, manufacturing investment, and tourism.

Vietnam currently exports processed agricultural products, construction materials, consumer goods, machinery, fertilizers, and plastics to Cambodia. In return, Cambodia exports cashew nuts, rubber, rice, mangoes, pineapples, honey, and tapioca starch to Vietnam. The complementary nature of their trade structures presents significant potential for expanding bilateral commerce.

Mr. Hung noted Vietnam’s readiness to collaborate with Svay Rieng across various sectors, including agriculture, food, consumer goods, machinery and agricultural supplies, construction materials, light industry, logistics services, and e-commerce. These areas are expected to help streamline supply chains and enhance cross-border trade efficiency.

A new driving force for bilateral cooperation comes from the Vietnam–Cambodia Trade Promotion Agreement for 2025–2026, which offers tariff incentives, simplified customs procedures, and stronger supply chain integration. Additionally, both countries’ participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) provides a solid foundation for infrastructure, logistics, and cross-border trade collaboration.

Experts also point out that Cambodia’s geographic advantage makes it a gateway for Vietnamese businesses to access broader ASEAN markets. Conversely, Vietnam serves as a bridge for Cambodian enterprises to reach larger markets, including China and CPTPP member countries.

Following the conference, direct business matchmaking sessions between Vietnamese and Cambodian companies in Svay Rieng took place with great enthusiasm, reflecting a shared commitment to long-term cooperation.