Cambodian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) vice-president Sok Piseth (right) exchanges an MoU with his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Ng Yih Pyng. CCC
Two of Cambodia and Malaysia’s major private sector organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which should see the establishment of a framework that will enhance bilateral economic and trade relations. In 2024, the trade volume between the two countries reached over $865 million.
The May 6 signing ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce (CCC). The Malaysian side was represented by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM).
The agreement was signed by CCC vice-president Sok Piseth and Datuk Ng Yih Pyng, president of the ACCCIM.
Piseth, who also serves as chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council for Cambodia, explained that the meeting aimed to strengthen ties between the two institutions and identify key sectors for future collaboration. The MoU creates a framework to promote economic relations, trade, investment and coordination between the business communities of both nations.
He highlighted the strong economic ties between Cambodia and Malaysia, reflected in growing trade and Malaysian investments in key sectors in Cambodia.
Piseth also noted how the Kingdom’s economic growth continues to be positive, driven by a young and dynamic workforce, a favourable investment climate and strategic government policies. The Cambodian government envisions transforming the country into a high-income nation by 2050.
Datuk Ng expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating that the main purpose of his visit to Cambodia was to explore potential areas of cooperation and promote regional business activities such as the 14th ACCCIM Young Entrepreneurs Conference, the ASEAN AI Business Summit and the China-ASEAN Business Leaders Conference 2025, among others.
According to a CCC press release, both sides also discussed the current trade and investment landscape in their respective countries and explored further cooperation between CCC and ACCCIM.
“The dialogue aimed to generate new business and investment opportunities that would contribute to economic development and strengthen business-to-business ties between Cambodia and Malaysia,” it added.
Sam Soknoeun, chairman of SAM SN Group and a CCC member who attended the meeting, told The Post on May 6 that the MoU will bring mutual benefits, particularly by helping Cambodia attract more direct investment from Malaysian companies.
He noted that Malaysian investors are already active in several sectors in Cambodia, including manufacturing (especially garments), real estate, construction, agriculture, hospitality, telecommunications and technology.
“When there’s more direct investment, it creates more jobs and national income. It also helps expand Cambodia’s international trade volume,” he said.
He added that Malaysian imports to Cambodia mainly consist of machinery, electrical equipment, fuel and plastics, while the Kingdom mainly exports agricultural products to Malaysia.
