APD | Cambodia, Japan Trade Increases by 16 Percent

By APD writer Kim Ratha

PHNOM PENH,Aug.15(APD) - The bilateral trade between Cambodia and Japan amounted $1,048 million in the first half this year, up 16.8 percent compared the same period last year.

Figures from Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) shows that from January to June this year, Cambodia’s total export to Japan was valued $792 million, a 12 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

The report shows that Cambodia’s total import from Japan increased by 34 percent, to $256 million.

In a meeting with outgoing Japanese ambassador Hidehisa Horinouchi on Tuesday, Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed satisfied to the positive progress of trade and investment between the two countries.

Mr Hun Sen said the good cooperation between the two governments is the foundation in boosting trade, investment and tourism.

“Indeed, investment, trade as well as tourism sector which have rapidly increased are the results of endeavors made by Japanese ambassador to Cambodia, who has contributed greatly to the matter,” Mr Hun Sen said.

Most Cambodian exports were garments, footwear products and, to a lesser degree, electronic components such as mobile phone batteries. Japan mostly exported machinery, cars and electronics to the Kingdom, as well as beef, steel and pharmaceuticals, according to the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce.

Last year, trade with Japan increased by 27.3 percent, more than $1.6 billion worth of goods were sent to Japan, according to Jetro, while Cambodia bought about $421 million in Japanese goods, a 17.8 increase.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)