Cambodia and Japan pledge to address investment barriers
Two-way trade reached nearly US$2.24 billion in the first nine months of 2026, a rise of 19.5 per cent from a year earlier.
Cambodia and Japan agreed to deepen economic cooperation and tackle concerns facing investors during an October 21 meeting in Phnom Penh. The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) said the Cambodian government reaffirmed its commitment to a more transparent and predictable investment environment.
Sun Chanthol, the CDC’s first vice-chairman, and Japanese ambassador to Cambodia Ishizuki Hideo jointly chaired the bilateral investment committee’s 32nd meeting. Government officials and Japanese business representatives discussed obstacles to business operations and ways to encourage further investment.
Ishizuki outlined opportunities for Japanese investors alongside challenges requiring action by the relevant stakeholders. Participants also examined cooperation between the ASEAN-Japan Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee and the Business Co-creation Team, along with activity reports and future plans from Japan’s international cooperation and external trade agencies.
Figures from Cambodia’s General Department of Customs and Excise put two-way trade at nearly US$2.24 billion for January–September 2026, up 19.5 per cent from the corresponding period in 2025. Cambodian exports to Japan rose 24.1 per cent to US$1.45 billion, while imports increased 11.9 per cent to approximately US$791.39 million.
Japan ranks fourth among Cambodia’s trading partners, behind China, the US and Vietnam. Cambodian shipments to Japan include garments, footwear, travel goods and agricultural products, while imports include machinery, vehicles, spare parts and manufacturing equipment.
