Cambodia and Laos move to deepen bilateral trade cooperation

Cambodia and Laos move to deepen bilateral trade cooperation Both Cambodia and Laos have agreed to enhance cooperation to increase bilateral trade, aiming for a target of $700 million by 2030. This agreement was reached during a meeting between Prime Ministers Hun Manet and Sonexay Siphandone in Phnom Penh, where they emphasized collaboration in areas such as investment, agriculture, energy, transport connectivity, border management, security, and combatting transnational crimes like human trafficking and online fraud. Both leaders highlighted the necessity of improving transport infrastructure to facilitate cross-border trade, enabling agricultural product transit between the two nations. This partnership commemorates the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, with plans for high-level exchanges and visits to further strengthen ties. Last year, bilateral trade was valued at $240 million, a 6% decrease from the previous year. (Source: Khmer Times)

IFC strengthens engagement in Cambodia's economic reform efforts Both the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Cambodian government are collaborating to address global challenges by fostering a resilient and sustainable investment ecosystem. During recent meetings, IFC officials, including Division Director Keiko Miwa, discussed strategies to enhance Cambodia's private sector competitiveness through investments in green finance, infrastructure, and logistics. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth emphasized the government's focus on improving the logistics system and energy sector competitiveness, while advocating for growth in agro-industry and public-private partnerships. Miwa reaffirmed IFC's commitment to supporting the country's economic reform agenda, including the development of a Green Finance Taxonomy and various infrastructure projects slated for 2026, which aim to attract high-value investments and enhance macroeconomic resilience. The collaboration includes a focus on sustainable practices within emerging industries and the establishment of a Green Special Economic Zone framework. (Source: Khmer Times)

Autonomous Ports in Cambodia report $209 million revenue for 2025 Throughout 2025, the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port and Phnom Penh Autonomous Port generated a total revenue of $209 million and handled 18 million tons of transit cargo. Minister of Public Works and Transport, Peng Pornea, reported a 31.45 percent revenue increase from 2024. Sihanoukville Port processed over 12.3 million tons of cargo (up 25.78%), 1.35 million TEUs (up 30.57%), and 1,775 vessels (up 13.35%), earning approximately $154 million. In contrast, Phnom Penh Port transported around 5.6 million tons (up 15.59%), handled 600,023 TEUs (up 24.95%), and received 3,333 vessels (up 0.82%), with revenues exceeding $53 million, a 21 percent increase. The ministry has promoted the use of the Port Electronic Data Interchange system to improve operations. (Source: Khmer Times)