Secretary of State of the Ministry of Commerce, H.E. Roth Saravuth, highlighted five major reasons why Canadian investors and businesses should expand their trade and investment partnerships with Cambodia.
During the Canadian Trade Mission Forum held last week, H.E. Roth Saravuth served as a guest of honor and keynote speaker at a plenary session organized by the Canadian Trade Working Group. The event was hosted by the Embassy of Canada to Cambodia under the high patronage of H.E. Prof. Dr. Sok Siphana, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions, and Ms. Sara Wilshaw, Chief Trade Commissioner and Assistant Deputy Minister at Global Affairs Canada (International Trade).
This important business event gathered representatives from relevant ministries and institutions, the Canada-ASEAN Business Council, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, Canadian and Cambodian private sector actors, and a range of trade specialists. The forum aimed to enhance and deepen commercial cooperation between Cambodia and Canada.
During the discussion, Secretary of State Roth Saravuth shared key developments in Cambodia’s trade sector and emphasized five key areas of potential that Canadian investors should consider when looking to expand their investments and trade relations with Cambodia:
- Strategic Geographic Location – Cambodia’s positioning offers easy access to regional supply chains and investment flows within ASEAN and Asia-Pacific.
- Strong Legal Framework – The country provides legal guarantees and investor protection through updated laws and pro-business reforms.
- Preferential and Broad Export Market Access – Cambodia enjoys duty-free access to major markets, including under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
- Competitive Labor Force – The availability of a young and cost-effective labor force provides advantages compared to other countries in the region.
- Improved Logistics and Trade Facilitation – Cambodia is investing in infrastructure, digital trade systems, and streamlining customs procedures to boost trade efficiency.
H.E. Roth Saravuth encouraged Canadian investors to take full advantage of this trade mission by exploring high-potential sectors and forming strategic partnerships with local stakeholders in Cambodia.
He further assured that the Ministry of Commerce remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to continue supporting and resolving challenges faced by both domestic and foreign businesses and investors, including those from Canada, in carrying out trade and investment activities in the Kingdom.
This trade mission is part of Canada’s broader effort to strengthen its Indo-Pacific Strategy, in which Cambodia plays an increasingly strategic role as an emerging economy with strong trade links to China, ASEAN, and the broader region. The participation of Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner signals growing bilateral interest, especially in sectors like green energy, digital economy, sustainable agriculture, and education.