PHNOM PENH: Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States, intends to expand its business and strengthen its partnership with Cambodia to create jobs and import goods from the Kingdom.

On Thursday morning, 5 January 2023, a Walmart representative in Washington, D.C., stated that the company intends to increase its business and investment in Cambodia in order to provide jobs for Cambodians, particularly Cambodian women, as well as promote economic growth and reduce poverty.

"Walmart remains a good trading partner with Cambodian manufacturers in the garment, textile, and agricultural sectors," she said.

The representative also complimented the Royal Government of Cambodia for its accomplishments in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and for signing new free trade agreements, like the RCEP, with China and the Republic of Korea.

Walmart intends to purchase more goods from Cambodia, such as furniture, electronics, and, particularly, significant agricultural products that satisfy international standards. This intention has been welcomed and supported by the Cambodian Minister of Commerce, Pan Sorasak. According to him, an increase in imports from Cambodia will help the country's economy grow and create more jobs, while also reducing poverty.

"The Ministry of Commerce will continue to cooperate with Walmart, the private sector, and other relevant ministries and institutions to further promote the sale of agricultural products from Cambodia to the United States," said Minister Pan Sorasak.

Walmart is currently importing clothing from Cambodia for their market.

Walmart has been operating since 1962 and has thousands of stores in the United States. Walmart has approximately 10,500 stores and clubs in 24 countries, as well as eCommerce websites. More than 2.3 million employees work for the American retailer, from which 1.6 million work in the United States.