PHNOM PENH: Economists are optimistic that Cambodian Senate president Hun Sen’s upcoming visit to China will bring significant benefits to diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries.
China is currently Cambodia’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment, with many investors already operating in the kingdom.
According to a June 23 statement from the Senate Secretariat, Hun Sen, who also serves as president of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, will lead a delegation on an official goodwill visit to the China from June 25 to June 27.
The statement described the trip as reflecting the unwavering commitment of both countries to further strengthen their “ironclad friendship” and deepen cooperation under the “comprehensive strategic partnership framework aimed at building a Cambodia–China community with a shared future in the new era”.
Lor Vichet, vice-president of the Cambodia Chinese Commerce Association (CCCA), told The Post on June 24 that visits by Cambodian leaders to China generate numerous positive outcomes for Cambodia. These include strengthening ties between the governments and private sectors of both countries, expanding market access for Cambodian exports to China, and encouraging more Chinese investment.
He added that Cambodia currently enjoys preferential trade access to several major international markets. As a result, the number of foreign investors — particularly Chinese seeking to establish processing and manufacturing facilities for export-oriented production — is expected to continue increasing.
“The trend of bilateral trade between Cambodia and China will continue to expand in the future,” he said.
However, Vichet pointed out that Cambodia’s growing trade deficit with China remains a major concern. He explained that Cambodia still lacks sufficient capacity to produce the raw materials needed for further processing and value-added manufacturing.
According to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), trade between Cambodia and China reached $9.39 billion during the first five months of 2026, an increase of 22.9% over the same period in 2025.
Chinese imports amounted to $8.64 billion, up 23.3%, while exports to China totalled $753.37 million, an increase of 18.8%.
Cambodia recorded a trade deficit of $7.88 billion with China during this period, up from $6.37 billion in the corresponding period last year.
According to the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC), its president, Kith Meng, will participate in meetings with the Chinese business community during the visit. The discussions aim to strengthen and expand economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
A statement from the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) noted that in 2025, the CDC approved 630 investment projects with a combined investment value of approximately $10 billion.
China ranked first among all foreign investment sources, accounting for 54.25% of the total approved investment capital in 2025. The Chinese were followed by domestic investors, and those from Singapore and Vietnam. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
