On 20 April 2023, H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) met with H.E. Rath Saravuth, Secretary of State of Ministry of Commerce (MOC) of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. Mr. Tith Rithipol, MOC Undersecretary of State and Acting Director General of International Trade attended the meeting.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun said that recent years have witnessed the economic cooperation and trade between ASEAN and China withstanding adverse factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic downturn, and achieving steady growth. ASEAN and China are each other’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade volume nearly topping US$ 1 trillion in 2022. As global economic governance ushers in the “Asian moment”, regional economic integration has been strengthened, and countries in the region are becoming more and more economically interdependent. The ACC stands ready to work with the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia to implement more projects in the field of trade and investment in the purpose of better serving the needs of AMS, securing regional economic rebound in the post-pandemic era, and building our region into an anchor for world peace, a source of impetus for global growth, and a new pacesetter for international cooperation.

Rath Saravuth spoke highly of the ACC’s efforts in promoting ASEAN-China friendly exchanges and practical cooperation, especially the ACC’s contribution to the cooperation ranging from economy, trade and investment, which has reaped rich fruits and won positive recognition. As Cambodia’s largest trading partner, China has been providing gracious assistance and support to Cambodia’s economic growth and social progress, of which Cambodia has always been deeply appreciative. The Cambodian side looks forward to further and more cooperation with the ACC, participating in more ACC activities such as trade and investment promotion seminars, so as to make joint efforts to bridge the development gap among AMS, advance ASEAN community building, and bring more tangible benefits to the peoples of Cambodia, China and the region at large.