Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 14 – Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen addressed the trade volume between Cambodia and China, explaining that Cambodia currently imports a significant amount of goods from China.

Samdech Techo spoke on Friday (Mar. 14) during a solidarity dinner with the Cambodian Oknha Association at Premier Centre Sen Sok in Phnom Penh.

“We need to clearly understand the trade relationship between Cambodia and China. Cambodia exports less to China than it imports from China [...] because Cambodia relies on raw materials imported from China, particularly fabrics, to supply garment factories. These factories then process the materials into finished products for export to other countries,” Samdech Techo underscored.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated that China has played a crucial role in supporting Cambodia by providing raw materials for production and export. He criticised individuals who claim to be economists but seek to humiliate their own people.

“My primary goal is to explain to the 17 million people in Cambodia what trade balance means and why there are disparities between Cambodia’s exports and imports within the ASEAN framework. For instance, Cambodia exports more to Malaysia than it imports from Malaysia,” Samdech Techo added.

He further explained that this dynamic is governed by the principles of supply and demand. “If you do not understand this issue, do not present yourself as an economic expert or aspire to leadership. Remember, Cambodia has transformed from a country reliant on imports to one that produces for export,” he noted.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen highlighted Cambodia’s total trade volume of approximately USD 56 billion, with exports exceeding USD 26 billion and imports reaching USD 28 billion.

Regarding trade with Thailand, Samdech Techo pointed out that Cambodia’s trade volume with the country stands at around USD 10 billion. However, Cambodia imports more from Thailand than it exports due to the need for construction materials, fuel, and other supplies to meet domestic demand.

He also mentioned that trade between Cambodia and Viet Nam now totals approximately USD 10 billion, with a more balanced exchange. “In the past, we imported far more from Viet Nam than we exported. However, due to our efforts, the trade balance is now nearly equal,” Samdech Techo concluded.
=FRESH NEWS