CCC eyes deeper China-ASEAN business ties ahead of CABIS

As Cambodia continues to position itself as an attractive investment destination in Southeast Asia, closer collaboration with platforms such as CABIS is expected to further strengthen trade, investment and private-sector partnerships in the years ahead.

The Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic and investment ties with China and ASEAN by supporting greater private-sector cooperation ahead of the upcoming China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS), scheduled for September in Nanning, China.

The commitment was highlighted during a meeting between CCC Vice President Li Kunthai, representing CCC President Kith Meng, who also serves as Cambodia’s Chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), and Ye Yan, Secretary-General of the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) Secretariat.

Ye said the primary objective of her visit was to invite the CCC to lead a Cambodian business delegation to participate in this year’s CABIS, one of the region’s key platforms for promoting trade, investment and economic collaboration between China and ASEAN member states.

She apprised the Cambodian side of several major developments that will be showcased during the summit, including the official inauguration of the Pinglu Canal, a strategic infrastructure project expected to enhance logistics connectivity in southern China, as well as the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center in Nanning aimed at advancing technological innovation and digital cooperation across the region.

Ye noted that this was her third visit to Cambodia and said she had been impressed by the country’s rapid transformation. She highlighted the remarkable progress in Cambodia’s infrastructure, modern urban development, economic growth and the construction of new international airport facilities, describing them as strong indicators of the country’s increasing attractiveness for international investors.

Kunthai welcomed the CABIS delegation and thanked the Secretariat for its continued efforts in promoting private-sector development and expanding regional business cooperation.

He emphasised the longstanding and comprehensive partnership between Cambodia and China, noting that bilateral relations have contributed significantly to the expansion of trade, investment and broader economic cooperation over the years.

China remains Cambodia’s largest source of foreign investment, supporting major infrastructure, industrial and development projects that have helped drive the Kingdom’s economic growth. He said the strong economic relationship provides a solid foundation for businesses from both countries to explore new investment opportunities and deepen commercial partnerships.

The CCC Vice President also reaffirmed the Chamber’s support for the CABIS, the China-ASEAN Business Council and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement, describing these mechanisms as important platforms for promoting regional economic integration, facilitating business networking and encouraging sustainable investment across ASEAN and China.

The meeting reflected both sides’ shared commitment to enhancing institutional cooperation and creating greater opportunities for businesses amid growing regional economic integration.

As Cambodia continues to position itself as an attractive investment destination in Southeast Asia, closer collaboration with China through platforms such as CABIS is expected to further strengthen trade, investment and private-sector partnerships in the years ahead.

Source: Khmertimeskh