The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) hosted a networking dinner today to connect Malaysian exporters with Cambodian business leaders, opening a three-day mission to explore market opportunities, foster business partnerships, and strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation.
Led by Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Shaharuddin Onn, the event took place alongside the Export Acceleration Mission to Cambodia 2026, with MATRADE Chairman Reezal Merican Naina Merican attending in Phnom Penh.
“I firmly believe that this networking session will be a very useful first or preliminary point of contact between Malaysian and Cambodian businesses,” Ambassador Shaharuddin said. “I’m confident that this connecting session will allow our businesses to get to know one another, and hopefully lead to the development of mutually beneficial relationships.”
The gathering brought together Malaysian delegates and local industry leaders to build connections and explore potential partnerships, strengthening links between commercial sectors in both countries.
Reezal Merican noted the strategic importance of expanding regional trade. “Asian, for example, is one of the most vibrant trading and economic blocs. Out of 11 countries, we have a population of nearly 700 million. With a combined GDP coming close to $4 trillion, in no time we will be the third or fourth largest trading bloc in the world,” he said.
He said that Malaysia must look beyond traditional partners and capture opportunities in dynamic markets. “Cambodia is fast-performing, becoming a country that will emerge as a new emerging market for many other parts of the world,” he said, citing economic transformation, rising incomes, a young population, and an expanding middle class.
“We are not here just to ink any kind of buy-and-sell transaction. We are here to form a strong, solid partnership. We are here to make sure that we are part of the creation of global supply chain, the supply chain that can enhance the economic development story of Cambodia,” Reezal Merican said, encouraging participating enterprises to seize the opportunities presented during the mission.
The mission, taking place from August 18-20, aims to deepen economic ties through networking activities, a business seminar, and business-to-business meetings, with more than 250 individual B2B engagements arranged for delegates.
Co-organised by MATRADE, the Embassy of Malaysia in Cambodia, and the Malaysia Business Chamber in Cambodia, the mission connects Malaysian exporters and local business representatives from key sectors to secure market access and build commercial relationships.
Over the course of the three-day programme, participating companies are set to identify prospective deals and enhance private sector cooperation, driving deeper economic engagement between both nations.