Cambodia and the Netherlands Commit to Further Enhancing Economic and Trade Cooperation for Stronger Growth

On the morning of 20 May 2026, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, received farewell call from His Excellency Remco Johannes van Wijngaarden, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Cambodia, and his delegation at the Peace Palace, on the occasion of the completion of his diplomatic mission in Cambodia.

During the meeting, the Ambassador expressed satisfaction with and high appreciation for the positive progress of bilateral relations, particularly the continued growth of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted the significant increase in bilateral trade volume, which exceeded USD 1 billion in 2025. The Ambassador also thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for the continued support for the success of Dutch companies conducting business in Cambodia.

In response, Samdech Thipadei congratulated the Ambassador on the successful completion of his diplomatic mission in Cambodia and highly appreciated his contributions to strengthening and expanding bilateral relations and cooperation across various sectors, particularly in trade and investment. Samdech Thipadei further emphasised that the current excellent relations and cooperation between the two countries would contribute to further strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two nations. He also noted that both countries continue to possess considerable potential in many other areas where connectivity and mutual cooperation can be further expanded.

Samdech Thipadei and the Ambassador also exchanged views on further strengthening and deepening economic, trade, business, and investment relations between the two countries. Both sides agreed to continue promoting business-to-business (B2B) connectivity through business visits and trade fairs aimed at exploring investment opportunities and further increasing bilateral trade volume. Samdech Thipadei also highlighted various policies and mechanisms implemented by the Royal Government, which aim to create a favourable environment for attracting new foreign investment, as well as the implementation of concrete measures to ensure competitiveness, predictability, and the success of existing investors in Cambodia. He emphasised that the success of existing investors not only serves as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation for Cambodian citizens, but also contributes to attracting additional foreign investment to Cambodia.

Furthermore, Samdech Thipadei and the Ambassador exchanged views on regional cooperation and expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the two countries within ASEAN and other international frameworks. The Ambassador also highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the Netherlands and Cambodia in the area of diplomatic training programmes.

On that occasion, Samdech Thipadei briefed the Ambassador on recent developments concerning the Cambodia–Thailand border issue. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving border matters peacefully, in accordance with international law, conventions, treaties, and existing agreements between the two countries. The Ambassador expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s consistent support for respect for international law and the rules-based international order. He further noted that the Netherlands, together with the European Union, remains committed to upholding international law and promoting a rules-based international order.

SP-STPM Unofficial Translation