Dubai Chamber of Commerce successfully concluded a strategic trade mission to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on November 29, 2025, facilitating nearly 200 direct business discussions aimed at boosting bilateral commerce and investment between Dubai-based enterprises and the Cambodian market. This outreach effort, part of a wider mission that included Malaysia, underscores Dubai Chamber’s commitment to enabling international expansion for its member companies, thereby reinforcing the emirate’s standing as a pivotal global business gateway.
The mission culminated in the “Doing Business with Cambodia” Forum, an event organized in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Thailand (serving as the non-resident embassy to Cambodia), Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce, the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, and the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC). The objective was to provide an in-depth platform for cooperation, attracting over 357 high-ranking officials and business leaders eager to explore new partnership avenues.
Forum Highlights and Economic Synergy
Key figures delivered welcoming remarks and economic insights, including H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State for Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce, and Neak Oknha Kith Meng, President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce. Representing the visiting delegation, Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, stressed the strategic importance of the trade mission.
“We are committed to enabling Dubai-based companies to build strong partnerships in priority markets and opening new paths for international expansion,” commented Al Shamsi. “These activities support the sustainable growth of Dubai’s business community and reinforce the emirate’s position as a leading global business hub.”
The forum featured detailed presentations from both sides. Dubai Chamber of Commerce showcased the emirate’s competitive advantages and its role as a strategic hub for regional markets, aiming to attract Cambodian companies. Simultaneously, the CDC offered a comprehensive overview of Cambodia’s economic fundamentals, development strategies, and the robust investment opportunities available to foreign entities.
Expanding Trade and Investment Horizons
Recent trade data indicates a positive trajectory for economic relations; Dubai’s non-oil trade with Cambodia reached AED 1.4 billion in 2024, marking a 3% increase year-on-year. The mission identified several key sectors ripe for enhanced bilateral trade.
High-potential trade sectors from Dubai to Cambodia include refined products such as aluminium, iron and steel, beverages, and specialist commercial goods like aircraft and spacecraft parts. Conversely, investment opportunities in Cambodia for Dubai-based firms span high-growth sectors, particularly travel and tourism, hospitality (hotels and restaurants), transportation and warehousing, and textiles and apparel. Significant potential was also highlighted in construction and infrastructure developments.
The Dubai delegation comprised representatives from 16 diverse private-sector companies, covering industries ranging from building materials, engineering, and healthcare to retail, textiles, beauty products, and the oil and gas sector.
By fostering 189 bilateral meetings, Dubai Chamber of Commerce effectively laid the groundwork for numerous future collaborations. This proactive approach to international relations is crucial for diversifying Dubai’s economic interests and cementing its reputation not just as a trading post, but as a proactive facilitator of global enterprise and sustainable economic growth. Future missions are anticipated to build on these successes, deepening ties with dynamic Southeast Asian economies.