AKP Phnom Penh, August 21, 2026 --

Cambodia has expressed strong optimism that its bilateral trade volume with Vietnam will continue its upward trajectory to reach the US$20 billion target in the near future.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Santepundit Neth Savoeun made the remarks on Thursday during a reception in Phnom Penh celebrating the 81st National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

"Our comprehensive cooperation has grown steadily across all sectors, ranging from politics to trade and people-to-people exchanges," H.E. Neth Savoeun said, noting that Vietnam has maintained its position as Cambodia's third-largest trading partner since 2022, trailing only China and the United States. "I am optimistic that our bilateral trade volume will continue to expand to hit the US$20 billion milestone soon."

In 2025, Vietnam ranked as the third-largest source of foreign investment in Cambodia and the second-highest among ASEAN member states, behind Singapore. Tourism between the two neighbouring countries has also surged, with Vietnamese visitors topping foreign arrival numbers in Cambodia, and Cambodian tourists ranking first among ASEAN visitors to Vietnam.

Infrastructure and regional connectivity have further supported these economic ties. The two nations currently operate 87 direct flights per week served by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Air Cambodia. Cross-border land transit was strengthened following the official opening of the Meun Chey (Prey Veng)-Tan Nam (Tay Ninh) international border gate in December 2025, with the upcoming Phnom Penh-Bavet expressway set to link directly to Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City-Moc Bai expressway.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Nguyen Minh Vu highlighted Vietnam's recent economic momentum, noting that its economy grew 8.18 percent in the first half of 2026, with the government targeting full-year growth of at least 10 percent. He praised Cambodia's political stability, effective macroeconomic management, and growing diplomatic standing on the global stage.

"We are greatly encouraged to observe that, despite facing numerous difficulties and challenges, Cambodia has successfully maintained political stability and effective macroeconomic management. The Kingdom has also seen a significant expansion in trade volume, a substantial influx of new investment projects, and a continued strengthening of diplomatic activities.

Moreover, Cambodia is set to further solidify its international presence by hosting the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Summit (ISC-2) later this month and the Francophonie Summit in November. These high-profile engagements not only underscore the Kingdom's growing diplomatic stature but are poised to elevate its regional and global influence even further.

By K. Rithy Reak