Italian Expo 2026 kicks off at Koh Pich. Discover how Cambodia-Italy trade reached $490M in 2025 and learn about new investment opportunities for European businesses.

“Made in Italy” Expo Kicks Off in Phnom Penh: Cambodia-Italy Trade Surges 21%

PHNOM PENH โ€” The 2nd Italian Expo Cambodia 2026 officially opened its doors Thursday at the Koh Pich Convention Center, marking a major milestone in the deepening economic ties between the Mediterranean and the Mekong.

The three-day exhibition features 80 booths from 50 leading Italian firms, showcasing everything from high-tech agricultural machinery and construction materials to luxury furniture and gourmet food. H.E. Samheng Bora, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce, presided over the ceremony, emphasizing that Cambodia is no longer just a participant in global tradeโ€”it is a destination for European excellence.

A Record-Breaking Year for Trade The expo comes at a time of historic growth. New data from the General Department of Customs and Excise reveals that bilateral trade between Cambodia and Italy reached US$490 million in 2025, a staggering 21.8% increase year-on-year.

Cambodian exports to Italy, led by premium garments and footwear, hit US$381 million, while Italian importsโ€”specifically industrial machinery and automotive productsโ€”surged by 45%. This balance shows that while Cambodia remains a manufacturing powerhouse, it is also becoming a hungry market for high-quality Western technology and lifestyle products.

Strengthening the “Euro-Khmer” Partnership Under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, the Royal Government has prioritized “diversified trade,” moving beyond regional borders to secure high-value partnerships in the West.

Oknha Dr. Tan Monivann, Vice President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC), highlighted that the event is a “networking engine” designed to help local traders identify new technologies and drive business development. Representatives from ItaCham and EuroCham noted that Italian innovation in sustainable manufacturing is the perfect match for Cambodiaโ€™s 2026 industrial modernization goals.

FAQ: Italian Expo Cambodia 2026 trade

What is the Italian Expo Cambodia 2026?

It is a premier trade event in Phnom Penh featuring 50+ Italian companies showcasing “Made in Italy” products in sectors like agriculture, luxury furniture, fashion, and high-tech machinery.

How much did trade between Cambodia and Italy grow in 2025?

Bilateral trade grew by 21.8%, reaching nearly $500 million. This demonstrates Cambodia’s successful expansion into European markets.

What are Cambodia’s main exports to Italy?

Cambodia primarily exports consumer goods, including high-end garments, footwear, and travel goods, which are highly valued by European consumers.

How does the Cambodian government support European investors?

Through the Ministry of Commerce and the CDC, the government provides investment incentives, trade facilitation, and a stable regulatory environment to encourage European firms to use Cambodia as a regional manufacturing hub.

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Author Bio โ€“ Han Bunna
HB
Written by
Han Bunna

Han Bunna is a Phnom Penh-based investment analyst and business journalist covering foreign direct investment, industrial development, and Cambodia’s economic transformation. He writes the Invest Cambodia section at Orkun Santepheap, tracking FDI trends, agribusiness, infrastructure, and the country’s path toward upper-middle-income status.

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