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Synopsis: There are over 7,000 Malaysian investment projects in Cambodia and the number is expected to grow in the coming years.
The consistently growing Cambodian economy offers boundless opportunities for Malaysian businesses, said Zaimah Osman, Trade Commissioner of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) on Wednesday.
Speaking at a business networking lunch hosted by MATRADE at Sun and Moon Riverside Hotel in Phnom Penh, Zaimah highlighted MATRADE’s core objective, saying that it promotes and assists Malaysian companies in expanding their export markets.
She also said that the organisation works towards making ‘Made-In-Malaysia’ a globally recognised brand associated with excellence.
Zaimah helms MATRADE operations in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
“We are the national trade promotion agency under the Ministry of Investment and International Trade (MITI). So, we are bridging the world in terms of connecting Malaysian businesses to the world export market.
“Cambodia offers a lot of opportunities for Malaysian businesses, both in the goods and services sector amid the bilateral trade between the two nations scaling new highs,” she said.
The Malaysian official pointed out that there are many economic sectors in which Malaysian businesses have greater strength and through partnerships Cambodian industries can benefit a lot.
“Malaysia successfully trades with over 200 countries and the country has been a responsible trading nation within ASEAN, always keen on promoting the economic landscape of the grouping.
“The country has been contributing towards boosting connectivity and logistics in the region, in turn helping supply chains grow fast.”
Zaimah said ASEAN is an epitome of oneness and every single member has a great value within the grouping, irrespective of economic power and Malaysia believes in mutual value addition.
“We also promote cross-border investments. There are more than 7,000 Malaysian investment projects in Cambodia and the number will keep growing in the coming years. And in most of these ventures, you can find a local partner, facilitating the transfer of skills and expertise.
“From banking to retail sectors, Malaysian companies have active presence in Cambodian markets. There are many emerging sectors in the Kingdom, in which Malaysian companies have strong interest and one of them is the pharma sector.
“Since the sector is related to healthcare, there are many compliance and regulatory frameworks to be fulfilled, which takes its own time.”
Delivering a PowerPoint presentation, she said: “Malaysia stands 24th in the world in terms of total trade volume; 25th in exports and 24th in imports. The country’s total trade was $3.07 billion in 1970, from where it has grown to $58.71 billion in 1990 and $630.46 billion in 2024.
“Initially, the country had a resource-based economy, which was transformed into a manufacturing-based one and later into a modern innovative economy.”
Zaimah emphasised that the bilateral trade between Malaysia and Cambodia has grown from $92.6 million in 2004 to $855.6 million last year. “Major exports from Malaysia to Cambodia include petroleum products, textile, apparel and footwear, metals, non-metallic minerals, chemicals and chemical products while top exports from Cambodia to Malaysia consists of textile, apparel and footwear and agricultural products.”
Listing the advantages of trading with Malaysia, she said: “We have reliable suppliers, pro-business government policies, well-developed trade support facilities, diverse range of high-quality products and services, compliance to international standards, good manufacturing practices, transparent and fair trading regulations, friendly business environment, excellent track record as a trading nation along with professional business culture.”
She said Malaysia is a pioneer and largest exporter of 26 products into the global markets and they include electrical and electronic products, optical and scientific equipment, rubber products, iron and steel products, non-metallic mineral products, metals, paper and pulp products, textiles, apparels and footwear, palm oil, wood products, sawn timber and moulding and saw logs.
“The country is also a substantial player in the global oil and gas sector, processed food as well as the life sciences segment.”
She also highlighted the 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) that will be held from September 17 to 20, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur.
The business networking lunch was attended by Nur Herzazzila Ghazali, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Malaysia Phnom Penh, Si Sa Vet, Marketing Manager – MATRADE Ho Chi Minh City, Khom Veth (Peter), Marketing Manager MATRADE Phnom Penh, chambers, and senior representatives of the private sector.
