Phnom Penh (VNA)💃 – A Vietnam-Cambodia trade and investment forum took place in Phnom Penh on December 25, aiming to strengthen cross-border e-commerce and digital economy cooperation between the two countries' businesses.

The event, jointly held by the Vietnamese Trade Office in Cambodia, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Vietnam-Cambodia Business Association (VCBA), drew more than 140 delegates who are business leaders, experts, and policymakers from both Vietnam and Cambodia. Addressing the event, VCBA Chairman Oknha Leng Rithy underscored the transformative power of e-commerce in connecting global producers and consumers in real time. He stated that the forum’s goal is to drive trade, expand cooperation, and build a prosperous future for both Vietnam and Cambodia. The VCBA leader noted the significant progress in economic and trade relations between the two countries in recent years, which has supported each nation's growth. He highlighted the vast opportunities for deeper collaboration, especially in the digital economy and cross-border business, in light of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He said he is confident that the forum would help both countries’ businesses unlock new opportunities, navigate policy landscapes, and form strategic partnerships to enhance trade, attract investment, and support digital transformation for greater competitiveness. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang said the forum is of great significance as both governments are actively working to enhance e-commerce and digital economy infrastructure. The event offered a valuable platform for businesses and investors to explore growth opportunities in these sectors, which would further strengthen the bilateral economic relationship, he noted. The diplomat said that fostering the sound friendship and comprehensive and win-win cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia remains a key priority for both governments, creating an ideal environment for their businesses to thrive. On e-commerce and digital economy development, Ambassador Tang stated that both governments are fully committed to the sector’s growth. He pointed out that both nations are actively involved in finalising the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, a key initiative to foster cross-border e-commerce and digital cooperation. He stressed that to meet the ambitious target of 20 billion USD in bilateral trade in the near future, businesses from both countries have a critical role to play in fostering trade and investment. E-commerce and digital economy cooperation will be essential in fullly tapping the potential of both nations, he added. Participants discussed a wide range of issues, including Vietnam’s e-commerce and digital economy development policies, Vietnam-Cambodia trade and investment potential in the era of cross-border e-commerce, and the completion of the legal framework for Vietnam-Cambodia trade. The forum also saw the signing of a rice supply agreement between Kon Khmer Co. Ltd., a Cambodian rice mill, and several Vietnamese companies operating in Cambodia. In addition, a networking session allowed entrepreneurs from the VCBA, the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and both countries to connect and explore new business opportunities./.