Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan and Cambodia have agreed to expanding bilateral trade and investment cooperation, following the second meeting of the Pakistan–Cambodia Joint Trade Committee (JTC), co-chaired by respective commerce ministers of both countries.
The two ministers also witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) of both countries, aimed at strengthening information exchange and promoting business-to-business linkages.
The meeting reviewed progress made since the first JTC held in Phnom Penh on January 21, 2025, where both sides agreed to institutionalize trade dialogue and explore a PTA framework.
Pakistan identified export potential in rice, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agricultural products. Cambodia highlighted opportunities in cassava, cashew nuts, footwear, and rubber products.
Both sides agreed to facilitate direct engagement between business communities to translate sectoral complementarities into tangible trade flows.
In his address, Pakistan’s minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Cambodia, describing them as rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and common economic aspirations.
Read More: Pakistan Highlights Export Diversification, Eyes Deeper Trade Ties with Cambodia
He noted encouraging growth in bilateral trade but emphasized that considerable untapped potential remains, particularly in market access, investment flows, and sector-specific collaboration.
The minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to advancing discussions toward a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to broaden market access and diversify trade portfolios.
On investment cooperation, Pakistan’s Board of Investment presented prospects in energy, information technology, tourism, and infrastructure, positioning the country as a gateway to Central Asia.
Cambodia outlined incentives under its new Investment Law and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), promoting itself as a production base for Pakistani firms seeking access to ASEAN and RCEP markets.
The two countries agreed to expand collaboration across multiple areas, including agriculture, aviation, double taxation avoidance, health, standards and conformity assessment, non-bank financial services, ICT cooperation in digital transformation and cybersecurity, and labor and vocational training exchanges.
In her closing remarks, Cambodia’s inister Cham Nimul expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s hospitality and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to structured, results-oriented economic engagement. She invited Pakistan to attend the Third JTC Meeting in Cambodia in early 2027 to maintain continuity.
