Khmer Times - 11 February 2026
Cambodia, Pakistan agree to establish bilateral trade agreement
By Chea Vanyuth
Cambodia and Pakistan Tuesday agreed in principle to hold talks on the establishment of the bilateral trade agreement to further deepen trade and investment cooperation.
The commitment was made during a meeting between Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce (MoC) and Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, in Islamabad, Pakistan, according to a statement from the MoC yesterday.
The discussions focused on exploring opportunities and mechanisms to enhance cooperation and expand trade volume between the two nations, particularly through the Cambodia-Pakistan Joint Committee mechanism and the preparation of specific action plans for mutual benefit, the minister added.
Nimul apprised Dar on the positive outcome of her discussions with the Pakistani private sector, including the Pakistan pharmaceutical manufacturers association, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In response, Dar lauded the excellent cooperation between the two countries, noting that Cambodia is a good partner and long-term friend. He welcomed the discussion on establishing a trade agreement between the two countries.
“Both countries have many sectors that can complement each other to leverage each other’s market advantages,” the MoC statement said.
Penn Sovicheat, MoC’s Secretary of State and Spokesman, recently said that the ministry is in talks with several countries to establish trade agreements to empower exports of Cambodian products to foreign markets.
“The plan to establish more free trade agreements with major trade countries will be a good opportunity to promote bilateral cooperation and take advantage of trade schemes for the markets,” Sovicheat told Khmer Times.
Under the trade agreements, Cambodia has strictly implemented the rules of origin and made every effort to maintain compliance with all these rules to preserve Cambodia’s preferential market access.
