PHNOM PENH: Cambodia and Japan’s bilateral trade has seen significant growth, rising from $1.4 billion in 2017 to $2.2 billion in 2024.
This was highlighted by H.E. Vongsey Vissoth, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Ministers in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, at a ceremony celebrating Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday at the Japanese Embassy in Cambodia on February 20, 2025.
H.E. Vissoth emphasized Japan’s crucial role in Cambodia’s development since the 1990s, starting with peacebuilding and rehabilitation efforts. Japan continues to support Cambodia across various sectors, including infrastructure (bridges, roads, ports), human resource development, health, institutional strengthening, and legal reform.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Japan’s investments in industry, agriculture, and infrastructure have positively impacted Cambodia’s socio-economic development.
These investments have generated thousands of jobs, provided skills training, and facilitated technology transfer, ultimately boosting Cambodia’s industrial competitiveness and labor productivity. He cited successful operations of prominent Japanese companies like Minebea, AEON, and Toyota as examples.
Furthermore, H.E. Vissoth stressed the shared commitment of Cambodia and Japan to peace, multilateralism, and international cooperation amidst global instability and geopolitical shifts.
He affirmed their shared values and vision for regional and global stability, and their continued partnership in promoting sustainable development and economic resilience.
In addition to the growing trade relationship, Japan continues to provide vital development assistance to Cambodia. Recently, Japan is bolstering its support for Cambodia with a US$462,003 grant under the KUSANONE program. The funds will be used for fire and medical equipment in Phnom Penh.
This includes US$83,672 for a first-of-its-kind smoke ventilation truck, donated by Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, to improve Phnom Penh’s firefighting capacity and protect 2.8 million residents. An additional US$154,376 will provide a secondhand fire and rescue truck, including a 40-meter ladder truck, further enhancing rescue capabilities.
Finally, US$223,955 will go to Preah Ang Duong Hospital for new ENT surgical equipment, benefiting approximately 32,000 patients. The grant agreements were signed by Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. UENO Atsushi.