PHNOM PENH — In a historic display of economic solidarity, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), and H.E. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, have announced an ambitious plan to nearly double bilateral trade within the next 24 to 36 months.
During their bilateral summit at the January 7 Palace on Friday, the two leaders expressed high confidence that the previously set target of US$20 billion in bilateral trade—originally a long-term goal—could now be reached as early as 2028. This optimism follows a record-breaking 2025, where two-way trade turnover reached US$11.33 billion, up 11.7% year-on-year.
A Strategic Economic Corridor The summit highlighted the “complementary strengths” of the two neighboring economies. Vietnam remains one of Cambodia’s top five foreign investors, with nearly US$3 billion in registered capital across key sectors:
- Agriculture & Rubber: Massive joint ventures in rubber and cashew nut processing.
- Energy & Manufacturing: Collaborative efforts in renewable energy and industrial supply chains.
- Digital Transformation: New agreements to synchronize e-commerce and digital payment systems across the border.
Modernizing the Border for Prosperity A major highlight of the meeting was the commitment to transforming the shared border into a zone of “Peace, Stability, and Growth.” The leaders witnessed the signing of several key cooperation notes, including:
- Security & Public Safety: A 2026 cooperation plan between the Cambodian Ministry of Interior and the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security to combat transnational and cybercrime.
- Provincial Connectivity: Direct agreements between Vietnamese border provinces (like Tay Ninh and Dong Nai) and their Cambodian counterparts to streamline customs and logistics.
- Human Capital: Expanded youth engagement and experience-sharing programs between the two ruling parties to prepare the next generation of leaders.
Under the executive push of Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia is aggressively modernizing its infrastructure, including the upcoming Phnom Penh-Ho Chi Minh City expressway, which is expected to be a “game-changer” for hitting the $20 billion milestone.
FAQ: Cambodia Vietnam trade $20 billion 2026
As of early 2026, bilateral trade has reached a record high of over US$11.3 billion. Leaders expect this to hit US$20 billion within the next two to three years.
Cambodia primarily exports agricultural products such as rice, rubber, and cashew nuts to Vietnam. In return, Vietnam exports refined petroleum, iron, steel, and textile materials to Cambodia.
The expansion of trade and border cooperation creates thousands of jobs in logistics and manufacturing, while new agreements in education and “Friendship Schools” improve human resource development for Cambodian youth.
The summit was led by Samdech Hun Sen (CPP President) and H.E. To Lam (General Secretary of the CPV), with high-ranking attendance from both nations’ Prime Ministers and Cabinet members.