Japanese PM’s visit to Cambodia strengthens bilateral ties

The recent visit to Cambodia by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has strengthened bilateral relations.

Terming it ‘significant’, chairman of Phnom Penh-based think tank Asian Vision Institute (AVI) Sok Siphana said the visit was meaningful in the context of Cambodia hosting the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Both sides released a joint statement ensuring the full implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade agreement (FTA).

Siphana said Cambodia can further boost its trade prospects with Japan through an FTA. The country currently has FTAs with China and South Korea, according to a Cambodian media outlet.

Siphana said a few years ago, it was Japan that helped build the bridge over the Mekong that enabled Cambodia to be part of the regional supply chain.

According to the joint statement, both countries will actively explore new opportunities for the sustainable growth of the Kingdom, such as infrastructure construction.

An FTA with Japan would boost Cambodia’s exports to that country, especially in agriculture, and will also attract foreign direct investment, AVI president Chheang Vannarith said. 

Source: Khmer Times