Distance mars Cambodia-Indonesia trade

Speaking on the challenges facing the trade ties between the two countries, the Minister Counselor said, “There are impediments if we go for exports from Cambodia as opposed to Thailand or Vietnam as the distance between Indonesia and Cambodia is quite a lot. This affects the cost of exports from Cambodia.”

She went on to add, “We will work together to ease the cost of doing business in Cambodia. We need good coordination to overcome the challenges facing this sector. This year we are hoping for good cooperation between our countries to ease the business of exports and imports with Cambodia.”

Indonesia is doing its best in its attempt to become the biggest source of imports for Cambodia. It is also trying to diversify into other commodities following the decision of the Royal Government of Cambodia to phase out coal as a trading commodity. The focus is now being put on the food and beverage sector, and efforts are being made to carve out a niche market in this sphere.

Another new area Indonesia is eyeing is the pharmaceutical market for herbal products and cosmetics.

On Saturday, two events in Phnom Penh will further consolidate the trade relationship between the two countries with the Cambodia-Indonesia Business and Investment Forum at Hotel Cambodiana and a business matching event titled Promoting the Exports of Cambodian Potential Products to International Markets at Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center.

Mirza Nurhidayat, Director of Southeast Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia will speak at the first event. Lok Chumteav, Representative of Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia will make the opening remarks before a presentation on Business and Investment Opportunities in Cambodia” by a representative of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC).

The objective of the second event is to boost exports of Cambodian products in international markets. It also aims to cement international trade, investment and economic cooperation. The event will showcase a wide range of homegrown Cambodian products across a wide range of segments including food and beverages, handicrafts and agricultural products ranging from rice, cashew nuts and bananas to longan and pepper. The event targets investors, traders and tourists to the Kingdom.

Source:The Khmer Times