Cambodia and Canada Seek Expanded Economic Partnership

Cambodia and Canada Seek Expanded Economic Partnership

PHNOM PENH, April 20, 2026 — Cambodia and Canada have pledged to deepen and expand bilateral ties, with a focus on trade, investment, security cooperation and regional economic integration, according to a statement from the Cambodian government on Monday.

The commitment was made during a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Canada’s ambassador to Cambodia, Christian DesRoches, in Phnom Penh.

The Canadian envoy praised the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the two countries and highlighted progress in trade and Canadian investment in Cambodia.

He reaffirmed Canada’s intention to strengthen cooperation, particularly in commerce and economic development, while also expressing support for Cambodia’s preparations to host the 20th Francophonie Summit later this year.

A senior Canadian delegation is expected to attend the summit, officials said.

The ambassador also thanked Cambodia for supporting closer Canada-ASEAN economic ties and negotiations on the proposed ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement, which both sides said could be concluded and signed in the near future.

Hun Manet congratulated DesRoches on his appointment and said he was confident bilateral relations would continue to grow stronger during the ambassador’s tenure.

The Cambodian premier also thanked Canada for its contributions to Cambodia’s peace process and to the country’s post-conflict socio-economic reconstruction and development.

He noted the potential role of the Cambodian diaspora in Canada in helping strengthen links between the two countries, especially in trade and investment.

Hun Manet said Cambodia had previously instructed the Ministry of Commerce and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce to establish a representative office in Canada to serve as a bridge for business ties and to explore new investment opportunities.

Both sides also discussed cooperation in defence and security, as well as efforts to combat transnational crime, according to the statement.

Cambodia has sought to diversify trade and diplomatic partnerships beyond its traditional regional partners, while Canada has increased engagement with Southeast Asia through ASEAN and broader Indo-Pacific initiatives.