5-1-2024 (PHNOM PENH) The Indonesian embassy in Phnom Penh has announced a significant achievement in the trade relationship between Indonesia and Cambodia. Starting from November 2023, Indonesia has become the sixth-largest trading partner of the kingdom, with total bilateral trade reaching an impressive sum of US$965.24 million.
This milestone was highlighted during a meeting between Indonesian ambassador Santo Darmosumarto and Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea on January 3.
“The substantial increase in trade figures is a testament to the growing economic cooperation between the two nations. It also signifies the elevated collaboration in celebration of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations,” stated the embassy in an official statement.
The remarkable growth in bilateral trade is further underscored by the surge in Cambodian exports to Indonesia, the largest economy in ASEAN. In 2023, Cambodian exports reached $70.56 million, marking a staggering 112% increase compared to the previous year.
This significant boost in trade figures demonstrates the expanding economic ties and mutual benefits enjoyed through the strengthened partnership between the two countries.
A notable highlight of this burgeoning relationship was the first shipment of Cambodian milled rice to the world’s largest archipelagic nation in September 2023. This event not only symbolized the diversification of trade commodities but also set a precedent for more intensive bilateral economic interactions in the future, according to economic analysts at the time.
During the meeting with Minister Chenda Sophea, Ambassador Darmosumarto emphasized the importance of translating the historical ties between Indonesia and Cambodia into concrete trade and investment cooperation.
“As we celebrate 65 years of Indonesia-Cambodia relations, we must ensure that 2024 is filled with win-win achievements through our bilateral cooperation,” he stated.
Darmosumarto expressed a keen interest in further bridging the people of both countries, particularly through youth engagement in education, culture, and tourism.
In August of the previous year, the embassy organized the 14th Indonesia Trade & Tourism Promotion (ITTP 2023) under the theme “Strengthen Cooperation through Collaboration.” This event showcased Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and focused on fostering deeper connections in key sectors such as trade, tourism, higher education, art, and culture.
Addressing the event, Lauti Nia Astri, Charge d’Affaires ad interim at the embassy, articulated the shared aspiration of both nations to build and maintain robust ties. Representatives from Indonesian businesses and higher education institutions attended the forum.
Nia Astri reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to supporting the advancement of Cambodia’s education sector and highlighted the crucial role of educational and skills development collaboration in strengthening the bilateral relationship. She explained that the focus on education reflects the broader strategy of both countries to invest in long-term, sustainable partnerships that go beyond immediate economic and trade interests, encompassing cultural and academic exchanges as key components of their growing relationship.
Minister Chenda Sophea acknowledged the significance of the 65th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations and proposed closer collaboration in various sectors. He also suggested working together in regional and multilateral forums to pursue common goals, as stated in the embassy’s official statement.
The strengthening of trade ties between Cambodia and Indonesia, especially considering the recent substantial growth, is seen as a promising sign for future collaboration and the economic prosperity of both nations.
Ambassador Darmosumarto also expressed his appreciation for Cambodia’s support during Indonesia’s tenure as the ASEAN chair.
“Our efforts were built on Cambodia’s successful chairmanship in 2022, which paved the way for Southeast Asia’s post-pandemic economic recovery,” he acknowledged.
Ambassador Darmosumarto, who presented his credentials to King Norodom Sihamoni in October 2023, arrived in Cambodia in September of the same year.
The two countries have enjoyed a long-standing relationship since officially establishing diplomatic ties on February 13, 1959, with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship.
