Melbourne (FN), Mar. 5 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that according to the Australia 2021 Census, over 57,000 people of Cambodian origin call Australia home.

The premier spoke on Tuesday (Mar. 5) during the Australia-Cambodia Business Forum.

Premier Hun Manet underscored, "Additionally, the vibrant Cambodian-Australian community serves as a bridge and plays a crucial role in strengthening the bonds between our nations. According to the Australia 2021 Census, over 57,000 people of Cambodian origin call Australia home.”

On that occasion, Samdech Thipadei added that the second generation of Cambodian-Australians are integrated into mainstream Australian society while being appreciative of their cultural roots. Their stories are one of overcoming obstacles, building a better life, and fostering a vibrant legacy.

At the same time, the premier continued that at regional level, Cambodia’s active role in ASEAN has served as a catalyst for strengthening its relationship with Australia. The Australian Government’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 reinforces this momentum, paving the way for greater economic engagement with Cambodia.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underlined that this strategy, along with free trade agreements like the ASEAN- Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) Upgrade (signed in Indonesia on 21 August 2023) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), enrich collaboration between our two nations and across the Southeast Asia region. This partnership has translated into consistent growth in two-way trade in recent years.

On the occasion, Premier Hun Manet added that Cambodia’s exports to Australia, particularly in garments, footwear, travel goods, and agricultural products like rice, cashew nuts, and tropical fruits, have surged – a trend aided by preferential market access provided by trade agreements.

Samdech Thipadei underscored, “As we reflect on the longstanding partnership between Cambodia and Australia, it becomes evident that there is still untapped potential for further collaboration. I remember 2022 marked a momentous milestone in our diplomatic relations.”

In addition, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also recalled the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Cambodia for the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, and Samdech Techo Hun Sen's bilateral meeting to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations.
=FRESH NEWS