A garment worker sewing clothes at a factory in Phnom Penh. STPM
Economists observe that an upcoming visit by Canada’s Commissioner for Trade and Investment to Cambodia at the end of May will bring positive results for the Kingdom, by expanding bilateral trade and attracting direct investment from Canada.
A May 25 press release from Global Affaire Canada announced that Sara Wilshaw, Canada’s chief trade commissioner and Assistant Deputy Minister of International Business Development at Global Affairs Canada, will lead Canada’s largest- ever trade delegation to Cambodia as part of the 2025 Team Canada Trade Mission (TCTM) to Thailand and Cambodia, taking place from May 28 to 30.
“While in Phnom Penh, Wilshaw will be joined by 90 representatives from over 50 Canadian organisations, seeking to explore commercial and partnership opportunities in this dynamic ASEAN economy. The mission builds on deepening bilateral ties, following an investment promotion visit to Canada by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol in September 2024,” it added.
The release emphasised that as a signature initiative under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and Trade Diversification Strategy, TCTMs help Canadian exporters and innovators expand into strategic global markets, strengthen supply chains and forge long-term, inclusive partnerships through direct engagement with key decision-makers and local stakeholders.
According to the press release, Wilshaw’s visit will include several important events, including meetings with first vice-president of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) Sun Chanthol, Senior Minister Sok Siphana, Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina, as well as business-to-business (B2B) sessions between investors from both countries.
Hong Vanak, an economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told The Post on May 26 that the visit will further boost diplomatic cooperation, especially in terms of trade between Canada-Cambodia and Canada-ASEAN. He added that Cambodia must clearly demonstrate its commitment by providing more incentives to attract Canadian investors for greater direct investment, as well as encouraging increased Canadian purchases of Cambodian products.
“I believe this upcoming visit is a response to ASEAN’s high-level summit declaration calling for stronger cooperation with ASEAN member states — especially amid global economic uncertainty due to US tariffs and pressure on many countries,” he said.
“Diversifying markets and strengthening cooperation across all sectors with partner countries is essential for driving Cambodia’s economic growth, particularly in these challenging global times,” he added.
According to Canadian government statistics, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Cambodia reached $2.4 billion in 2024. Canada ranked as the 4th largest export market for the Kingdom’s garments and textiles.
Canadian imports were worth $33.5 million, while exports to Canada exceeded $2.3 billion. In addition, Canadian direct investment in Cambodia totalled approximately $2.9 billion.
Lim Heng, vice-president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC), previously told The Post that Canada has strong market potential, with exports increasing almost every year. Due to the high volume of exports to Canada, the CCC has already established a representative office there.
He explained that the CCC office in Canada plays a key role in promoting Cambodian products to Canadian consumers and providing information to attract Canadian investors for direct investment in Cambodia.
“We hope that through the efforts of both the government and private sector, exports from Cambodia to Canada will continue to grow,” he continued.
According to Heng, most Cambodian exports to Canada include garments, travel goods, footwear, bicycles, and electronic components, while Canada exports electronics and vehicles to Cambodia.
