Khemer Times (10/09/2026) - Cambodia is leveraging its participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and a growing network of free trade agreements (FTAs) to attract foreign investment and expand market access for locally made products, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) Sun Chanthol said.

Speaking at the Future Investment Conference 2026 in Xiamen, Fujian province, China, on Tuesday under the theme “Global Investment for a Changing World,” Chanthol said Cambodia’s trade agreements provide investors with preferential access to major international markets while strengthening the country’s position as an integrated hub within ASEAN and global supply chains.

“The Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) serve as key catalysts, unlocking broader market access for businesses in both nations while facilitating trade and reinforcing regional supply chain resilience,” Chanthol told foreign investors and business leaders attending the forum.

RCEP, which entered into force in 2022, brings together 15 Asia-Pacific economies, comprising the 10 ASEAN member states and China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Cambodia has also established bilateral and regional FTAs with major trading partners, including the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement, Cambodia-Korea Free Trade Agreement and Cambodia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

These agreements have helped facilitate trade, reduce tariffs and strengthen regional economic resilience amid external economic uncertainties, Chanthol said.

“In a world filled with uncertainties, Cambodia firmly believes that the future of global investment must be built on openness rather than fragmentation, connectivity instead of isolation, and peaceful cooperation over confrontation,” he said.

Cambodia’s trade with RCEP members reached $28.27 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up 22.9 percent from $23 billion during the same period last year, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce.

The RCEP bloc accounted for 62.1 percent of Cambodia’s total trade of $45.48 billion during the January-July period, making it the Kingdom’s largest trading bloc.

Chanthol emphasised that while the garment, footwear, and travel goods sectors remain vital, Cambodia is actively attracting investments in high-value industries and advanced technology, including electronics manufacturing, automotive assembly, clean energy development, high-value agro-processing, and modern logistics systems.

These sectors will serve as new growth drivers to boost productivity, strengthen global value chain integration, and ensure long-term, resilient economic growth, he added.

He also highlighted the Kingdom’s proactive approach to expanding market access and enhancing investor confidence, including leveraging free trade agreements: ASEAN, RCEP, and bilateral FTAs, the EU’s EBA scheme, the Agreement of Reciprocal Trade with the United States, and ongoing efforts to accede to the CPTPP.

Lim Heng, Vice-President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, attributed the export growth to the country’s bilateral and regional free trade agreements, integrating the country into the regional supply chains.

Speaking to Khmer Times, Heng said, “The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and Cambodia’s FTA pacts with major trade partners have provided preferential tariffs that expand market access for Cambodian products.”

Chanthol led a high-level Cambodian delegation and private sector representatives on an exhibition tour during the visit to China to exchange experiences, strengthen business networks and explore investment data and emerging technology trends.

The tour forms part of Cambodia’s efforts to gain exposure to advanced technologies, promote business partnerships and identify new investment opportunities that can support the country’s future economic development.

Cambodia is actively working toward its long-term strategic targets: achieving Upper Middle-Income Country status by 2030 and advancing to High-Income Country status by 2050.

To translate this vision into tangible achievements, Cambodia has laid out strategic directions to consistently attract high-quality, sustainable investment flows into high-value-added priority sectors.

These include advanced processing industries, digital technologies, clean energy, agro-processing, and modern logistics systems.

Read more at https://www.khmertimeskh.com/502021123/rcep-ftas-catalyst-for-investment-growth-and-market-expansion/