Nanning, China — September 17, 2025 — Cambodia stepped into the spotlight at the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo this week, using the high-profile platform to promote its growing trade, investment, and tourism sectors. The Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with the China-ASEAN Expo Secretariat, hosted a dedicated forum aimed at attracting international interest in Cambodia’s economic opportunities.
According to an official press release from the Ministry of Commerce, the forum was part of Cambodia’s broader strategy to boost its visibility in regional markets and enhance cooperation across key sectors. The event culminated in the signing of five memorandums of understanding (MoUs), highlighting areas of high potential for Cambodian products and services.
Five MoUs Signed to Boost Cambodian Exports and Cooperation
The agreements signed during the forum included:
- A strategic cooperation framework for the export of cassava to China.
- Strategic cooperation in Cambodia’s growing medical sector.
- Partnership in agriculture, the food industry, and cultural exchange.
- An agreement on the purchase and sale of Cambodian dried longan.
- A similar cooperation deal for Cambodian cashew nuts.
“These MoUs reflect the Royal Government’s strong commitment to promoting local products, expanding market access, and strengthening Cambodia’s role in the regional supply chain,” the Ministry stated.
Major Cassava Export Deal Signed
In addition to the five MoUs, Cambodia and China had previously signed a major agreement on August 21, 2025, allowing the export of 500,000 tons of dried cassava to China for the 2025–2026 period. The deal was formalized between Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce and COFCO Biotechnology Co., Ltd., one of China’s leading agricultural firms.
This builds on earlier agreements, including a March 2025 MoU for 200,000 tons of dried cassava. Altogether, Cambodia has secured commitments to export over 700,000 tons of dried cassava to China in the first half of the year alone.
Cambodian Agriculture Gaining Ground in Chinese Market
Currently, 16 Cambodian agricultural products are cleared for export to China, including rice, dried cassava, bananas, mangoes, coconuts, cashew nuts, longan, and rubber. These exports are part of Cambodia’s ongoing push to meet international quality standards and expand its footprint in regional supply chains.
Trade Between Cambodia and China on the Rise
Trade between the two countries has continued to grow significantly. In the first half of 2025, bilateral trade volume reached $9.27 billion—a 26.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Cambodia’s exports to China accounted for over $750 million, though this figure marked a 7.9% decrease. Imports from China, on the other hand, surged by 31.2% to $8.52 billion, according to data from the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia.
With strengthened ties and growing confidence in Cambodian products, officials believe these developments mark an important step toward deeper Cambodia-China economic cooperation.
Source: កម្ពុជា បង្កើនកិច្ចសហប្រតិបត្តិការជាមួយខេត្តក្វាងស៊ី លើការនាំចេញស្វាយចន្ទី ដំឡូងមី និងផ្លែមៀន
