Cambodia-Malaysia trade hit a record RM4.5 billion in 2025, with both nations targeting over US$1 billion in 2026 as economic ties deepen.
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia and Malaysia are aiming to surpass US$1 billion in bilateral trade in 2026.
This follows a record total trade of RM4.5 billion (US$1.1 billion) achieved last year.
Provisional Cambodian data shows imports from Malaysia reached RM3.8 billion (US$935.3 million) in 2025.
Exports to Malaysia totalled RM583.86 million (US$143.6 million).
This represents a 24.7% increase from the RM3.5 billion (US$865.7 million) recorded in 2024.
The growth reflects decades of a strong multifaceted partnership.
Socio-economic researcher Dr Chey Tech said both countries have built strong diplomatic and trade relations over 20 years.
“There is more demand for Malaysian goods from the Cambodian market,” he told Bernama.
Trade relations were redefined after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s landmark visit to the war-torn kingdom in 1994.
Malaysian businesses have since diversified from consumer goods into telecommunications, banking, and infrastructure.
Malaysia remains Cambodia’s seventh-largest import source.
Regional trade pacts like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) continue to promote intra-ASEAN trade.
Cambodia’s trade with RCEP member countries reached RM162 billion (US$40 billion) last year.
Tech credited improved relations partly to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s role as ASEAN chair.
He highlighted ample opportunities for Malaysian investment in agriculture, food processing, and tourism.
The Asian Development Bank forecasts Cambodia’s economy to grow by about 5% this year.
