Cambodia, Malaysia Seek Expanded Trade, Halal Industry Cooperation
Cambodia, Malaysia Seek Expanded Trade, Halal Industry Cooperation
CEBU, May 8, 2026 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, defence and regional security during talks held on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit, Cambodian officials said on Friday.
The meeting took place in Cebu as Southeast Asian leaders gathered for discussions on regional stability, economic integration and geopolitical tensions.
According to Cambodia’s government, Anwar welcomed the opportunity to meet Hun Manet again and said the frequency of their meetings reflected the close and positive relationship between Malaysia and Cambodia.
The Malaysian leader reaffirmed Kuala Lumpur’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding collaboration in sectors of mutual benefit.
Hun Manet thanked Anwar for what he described as Malaysia’s active role in facilitating two ceasefire agreements between Cambodia and Thailand on July 28 and Dec. 27, 2025, during recent border tensions.
The Cambodian prime minister said Malaysia’s involvement demonstrated ASEAN solidarity and highlighted the bloc’s role in promoting regional peace, stability and sustainable development.
The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in trade and investment, with particular emphasis on the halal industry, which Cambodian officials described as a high-potential sector for future economic cooperation with Malaysia.
Hun Manet expressed appreciation to the Malaysian government for supporting Cambodia’s halal food sector, including the deployment of technical experts to help develop infrastructure and regulatory systems aimed at enabling Cambodia to qualify for halal food exports.
Malaysia is regarded as one of the leading halal certification and export hubs in Southeast Asia.
Before concluding the meeting, both leaders also exchanged views on maintaining regional peace and stability and strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security.
Malaysia and Cambodia are both members of ASEAN and have increasingly expanded cooperation in commerce, education, Islamic finance and regional connectivity initiatives in recent years.
