Cambodian business leader urges push for free trade deal with Turkiye
The Cambodia Chamber of Commerce signed a cooperation agreement with its Turkish counterpart as the two countries seek US$1 billion in bilateral trade.
Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) president Kith Meng has urged businesses in Cambodia and Turkiye to press their governments for a bilateral free trade agreement, saying it would help expand trade and investment. He made the proposal at the Turkiye-Cambodia Business Forum in Istanbul on October 16, 2026.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet attended the gathering alongside senior officials and business leaders from the two countries. Meng, who also chairs ASEAN Business Advisory Council Cambodia, said the CCC was ready to help Turkish companies establish operations in Cambodia.
At the forum, the CCC and Turkiye’s Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) signed a memorandum of understanding to support bilateral investment and trade. It provides a framework for cooperation between their private sectors through business events, exchanges of information and assistance for companies.
Trade between the countries reached approximately US$400 million in 2025, up 18% from 2024. Both countries are seeking to raise that figure to US$1 billion.
Meng identified agricultural processing for export to markets in the Middle East, Europe and Asia as an opportunity for Turkish investors. He also encouraged companies diversifying their Asian supply chains to consider Cambodia, and pointed to its logistics infrastructure as a possible link between Southeast Asian hubs and Eurasian trade routes.
Manet said businesses were the main force behind expanding economic ties, while governments provided the legal framework. He invited Turkish investment in sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, agro-processing, transport, renewable energy, digital technology and tourism.
