Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and Cambodia have pledged to enhance their cooperation in sectors that directly impact their citizens, such as trade and investment, workforce development, education, agriculture, the digital economy, and tourism. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed these developments following a discussion with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Cambodia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the discussions took place during the 13th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management and the 14th Conference of the Parties to AADMER. Ahmad Zahid expressed gratitude for Cambodia's support and assistance to Malaysian investors. He noted that Malaysian companies have made significant investments in telecommunications, banking, and manufacturing sectors, contributing to both nations' economic growth.
Trade between the two countries has been robust, with figures reaching nearly US$750 million from January to August this year-a 45 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Both nations are optimistic about surpassing US$1 billion in bilateral trade by 2026. Ahmad Zahid emphasized that Malaysia remains a key investor in Cambodia and aims to expand cooperation in digital connectivity, renewable energy, and the agro-food industry. Furthermore, both countries are exploring new areas of collaboration, particularly within the halal industry.
Ahmad Zahid highlighted Malaysia's potential contributions, including offering its expertise in halal certification and industrial park development to help Cambodia establish a strong halal ecosystem through the ASEAN Halal Council. In terms of manpower and education, Malaysia is committed to safeguarding the welfare of Cambodian workers and expanding opportunities for Cambodian educators in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The two nations also agreed to bolster agricultural trade, particularly in palm oil and rice, to strengthen regional food security. Discussions also included expanding cooperation in health and medical tourism, particularly with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Additionally, Malaysia and Cambodia reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability by supporting the establishment of the ASEAN Operations Team (AOT), a regional security cooperation mechanism ahead of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Ahmad Zahid noted that ASEAN, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has facilitated the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, with the AOT serving as the primary mechanism to ensure the agreement's implementation.
As the ASEAN 2025 Chairman, Malaysia plans to continue working closely with Cambodia and other member states to bolster ASEAN's unity, credibility, and leadership in promoting peace and humanitarian cooperation.