Phnom Penh, April 10, 2024: The Acting Head of State of Cambodia, Hun Sen, has underscored the significance of fostering trade relations between ASEAN countries and China, identifying China as a major market for both ASEAN and Cambodia.

During a courtesy meeting with Mr. Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, President of the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, at the Senate Palace this morning, Hun Sen emphasized the need for concerted efforts to enhance the local market, particularly through leveraging existing agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.

Hun Sen, who also serves as the President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King, encouraged collaboration between the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and the Asian Vision Institute (AVI) of Cambodia. This partnership aims to promote trade and economic cooperation between ASEAN nations and China, tapping into the vast potential of these established agreements.

In addition, Mr. Tan Sri Michael Yeoh provided an update on his discussions with Prime Minister Hun Manet, during which the Prime Minister confirmed his participation as the keynote speaker at two significant forums scheduled for November this year. The Global Chinese Economic and Technology Summit and the Asia Economic and Entrepreneurship Summit are set to attract investors worldwide, spotlighting Cambodia as a prime destination for investment.

This dialogue between Hun Sen and Yeoh reflects Cambodia's proactive stance on regional economic integration and its commitment to strengthening ASEAN-China economic ties, a move that promises to yield substantial benefits for the nation's economy and its position in the global market.