Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 13 – Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Cambodian Senate President, noted that investment and trade relations between Cambodia and India remain below their potential despite the economic growth in both countries.
Therefore, he urged the newly appointed Indian Ambassador to Cambodia, Bawitlung Vanlalvawna, to focus on enhancing trade and investment exchanges between the two nations.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen received a courtesy call by Bawitlung Vanlalvawna on Thursday (Mar. 13) at the Senate.
Samdech Techo welcomed and congratulated the ambassador on his appointment, expressing hope that his tenure would contribute to strengthening Cambodia-India relations. While the two countries already maintain good ties, he underlined the importance of further deepening and expanding their cooperation.
Ambassador Vanlalvawna expressed his gratitude to Samdech Techo for the warm welcome and the opportunity to meet him. He conveyed his appreciation for the strong relationship between Cambodia and India, particularly in executive and legislative cooperation.
The ambassador affirmed his commitment to reinforcing bilateral relations, with a special focus on legislative collaboration. He also expressed his intention to further develop cooperation in both executive and legislative sectors during his tenure.
Highlighting the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two nations since 1952, Ambassador Vanlalvawna noted that the year 2027 will mark the 75th anniversary of Cambodia-India relations. He stated that India is eager to organize a special celebration for this milestone.
He also pointed out several key areas where Cambodia and India can strengthen their partnership, particularly in trade, investment, and economic cooperation. Recognising the potential for growth, he pledged to promote and enhance economic and trade relations by encouraging more Indian investors and businesspeople to explore opportunities in Cambodia.
Additionally, the ambassador reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting education in Cambodia by continuing to provide scholarships for Cambodian students to study in India.
For his part, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed satisfaction with the historical relationship between Cambodia and India. However, he underlined the need to elevate this partnership to a new level, particularly in both the executive and legislative branches.
He also encouraged more high-level exchanges and interactions between the leaders of the two nations, underscoring the importance of strengthening diplomatic ties. While trade relations between Cambodia and India have seen some progress, Samdech Techo noted that they have not yet reached their full potential given the economic capabilities of both countries.
Currently, trade volume between Cambodia and India stands at just over USD 340 million. He underscored the need for further expansion of trade and investment relations to better align with the economic growth of both nations. Additionally, he called for the establishment of more direct flights between Cambodia and India to facilitate greater exchanges—not only between leaders but also among the general public, particularly to boost Indian tourism to Cambodia.
Samdech Techo also expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its ongoing support in Cambodia’s education sector, particularly through scholarships for Cambodian students to study in India. He highlighted India’s long-standing assistance, dating back to Cambodia’s liberation from the Khmer Rouge regime, as a testament to the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations.
Lastly, Samdech Techo wished the ambassador success in his diplomatic mission in Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS
