Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 27 – The bilateral meeting between Cambodian-Malaysian prime ministers will foster bilateral relations and expand the scope of trade and investment cooperation of the two countries.

Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen and Malaysian prime minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim initiated a joint press conference on the outcomes of their bilateral meeting, on Monday (Mar. 27) at the Peace Palace.

Premier Hun Sen underlined that during the bilateral meeting, Cambodia and Malaysia discussed cooperation in various fields, praised the bilateral relations between the two countries; pledged to further enhance cooperation in all fields, including trade, investment, education, tourism, energy, people-to-people connectivity; and to encourage the two sides to hold high-level visits frequently to expand closer friendship and broaden bilateral cooperation.

"In expanding the scope of trade and investment between the two countries, I have proposed to increase the purchase of goods to meet each other demands. I encourage Malaysian investors and companies to do business and invest in Cambodia,” the premier added.

Samdech continued, in the field of agriculture, both sides agreed to continue to promote the effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Industrial Development Cooperation in Cambodia. He also requested Malaysia to increase the purchase of rice, cashew nuts and other agricultural products from Cambodia and encouraged Malaysian investors to participate in the development of manufacturing, processing, as well as knowledge and technology intensive industries in Cambodia.

On that occasion, premier Hun Sen is delighted to see Cambodia-Malaysia bilateral trade reached USD 620 million in 2022, up 24 per cent compared to 2021.

"I would like to reaffirm my commitment to work closely with prime minister Ibrahim to further strengthen and expand bilateral relations and cooperation to be stronger and more prosperous," Samdech added.

Malaysian prime minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim said a wide-ranging discussion on trade and investment was a priority for both countries in bilateral relations and discussions on the halal industry that Malaysia has enhanced will provide an opportunity for Malaysia and Cambodia to use the sector to encourage and facilitate exports.

On that occasion, the Malaysian prime minister said he will also encourage Malaysian companies to consider importing rice and cashew nuts from Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS