PHNOM PENH: On Thursday, September 10, 2024, Oknha Kouch Pheng, Vice President of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), represented the Chamber in a meeting with Paul Thoppil, Canada’s Indo-Pacific trade representative Global Affairs Canada.

The meeting took place at the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce and was attended by representatives from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Embassy, and approximately 23 Cambodian businesspeople.

Oknha Kouch Pheng extended a warm welcome to the Canadian Trade Delegation, expressing the Cambodian Chamber’s keen interest in expanding trade and investment ties with Canada.

He highlighted the strong potential for collaboration between the two countries and encouraged more Canadian businesses to explore opportunities in Cambodia.

Mr. Paul Thoppil underscored the importance of the Cambodian Chamber’s role in attracting Canadian investors. He noted that many Canadian businesses are unaware of the favorable economic climate and investment potential in Cambodia.

The Canadian government, he emphasized, is committed to strengthening trade and investment relations with Cambodia and other Indo-Pacific countries.

During the meeting, members of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce discussed various topics, including the potential for agricultural exports, the country’s favorable investment climate, its abundant labor force, and its peaceful environment. These factors were highlighted as attractive aspects for foreign investors.

About Paul Thoppil:

In 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Paul Thoppil as Canada’s first Indo-Pacific trade representative. This new position, an outcome of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, is focused on the enhancement of trade, investment and supply chain resiliency between Canada and countries in the Indo-Pacific.

Thoppil, who has extensive experience in executive leadership roles in the federal public service, was previously assistant deputy minister, Asia-Pacific, at Global Affairs Canada, and led the development of the Indo-Pacific Strategy launched in November 2022. He received a 2021 Public Sector Award of Excellence for his contribution toward the release of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, two Canadian citizens arbitrarily detained for more than 1,000 days by China.