PHNOM PENH, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of Chinese companies showcased their products at the Cambodia Expo Series 2026 here on Wednesday, aiming to boost trade and investment ties between the two nations.
Held at the capital's Diamond Island Exhibition and Convention Center, the three-day expo series features international exhibitions covering agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, food and beverages, pet care, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, laboratory equipment, and the beauty and lifestyle industries.
The event brought together more than 250 exhibitors from more than 10 countries and regions, including Cambodia, China, South Korea, Japan, India, Türkiye, the United States, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Samheng Bora, a secretary of state for the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce, said the expo serves as a vital platform for trade promotion, helping connect producers with buyers and expand business networks.
He encouraged international investors to leverage Cambodia's expanding manufacturing base and tap into regional markets through major free trade agreements (FTAs). These include the ASEAN Free Trade Area, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and bilateral FTAs with China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
"Cambodia should be viewed not only as a market for goods and services but also as a potential partner for production, investment, and distribution, and as a gateway to the wider regional market," he said during the opening ceremony.
Bora also urged businesses to advance beyond traditional manufacturing by upgrading product standards, enhancing packaging, and securing international quality certifications.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of utilizing digital markets to meet evolving global supply-chain demands.
Alan Liu, international trade development manager for Xinxiang Hexie Machinery Co., Ltd. in China, said the company participated in the expo to seek clients in feed machinery, poultry feed, and aqua feed.
"Actually, this is our first time attending an exhibition here, but we already have customers in Cambodia," he told Xinhua. "We look forward to further advancing the development of the local breeding industry."
"We are also looking to connect with pet food and aqua feed customers here," he added.
Mork Kimhong, a local exhibitor showcasing natural, eco-friendly insect repellents and lemongrass oil, said the event is expected to inject fresh impetus into Cambodia-China trade and investment relations.
"Chinese investments in Cambodia are crucial because they enable local manufacturing and export opportunities back to China," she told Xinhua.
Tit Tena, another local exhibitor displaying aquatic creatures and aquarium fish, said the expo serves as an excellent platform for promoting trade, investment, and business partnerships between Cambodia, China, and other nations.
"This expo really helps broaden Cambodia-China investment ties," he said. ■