Kampot (FN), April 2 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said the kingdom began talks with neighboring countries to open new border gates in order to expand bilateral trade, speaking Tuesday at the inauguration of USD 26 million Japanese-grant water supply system in Kampot, approximately 150km south of Phnom Penh and around 5 km from the Gulf of Thailand.

“Our borders have become zones of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development [...] We began talks for increased bilateral trade with Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam to open new gates,” the Premier spoke before Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Hidehisa Horinouchi.

In 2018, trade volume between Cambodia-Thailand amounted to over USD 8 billion; Cambodia-Vietnam USD 5 billion; and Cambodia-Laos USD 24 million respectively.

According to the Premier, the bilateral trade volume with neighboring countries continue to increase thanks to the Royal Government’s clear vision in maintaining peace, stability, and good relations with bordering countries.

Cambodia's Export-Import Report, presented by the Ministry of Commerce, indicates that Cambodia's total foreign trade volume hit almost USD 25,000 million in 2018. Cambodian exports accounts for USD 11,215 million compared to only USD 10,777 million in 2017, while the kingdom's imports hit USD 13,771 million, compared to USD 13,019 million in 2017.

In 2018, Cambodia's exports have increased by 10%, thanks to growth of garment sector and the export of agricultural and industrial products through markets in 147 countries worldwide.