By Brian Campued
“With continued collaboration, I am confident that our economic ties will expand further.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday conveyed the Philippines’ interest to expand economic ties with Cambodia across “emerging, high-impact sectors”, which will drive economic modernization and social development in both countries.
At the CEO B2B Networking Roundtable in Phnom Penh, Marcos said that the Philippines is focused on expanding cooperation in sectors such as consumer goods, education, healthcare, franchising, infrastructure, agro-processing, and logistics.
“They are fully aligned with our national development goals, and they also reflect global trends in innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation,” he said.
The President also urged both Filipino and Cambodian business leaders to build on the momentum of their growing bilateral trade, assuring that Manila is committed to creating a business-friendly environment.
He cited the progress in the Southeast Asian neighbors’ shared vision to strengthen public-private sector partnerships—with total trade between the Philippines and Cambodia reaching $105.69 million in 2024.
“At the core of this economic vision is a firm belief that development must be rooted in partnership, not just between governments, but most critically, between our private sectors, which possess the capabilities to drive innovation, efficiency, and inclusive growth,” he stressed.
“While the government is focused on creating the enabling environment through stable policy, sound regulations, and strategic infrastructure, it is the private sector that moves capital, creates jobs, introduces technology, and delivers meaningful and lasting impact on the ground,” he added.
The roundtable was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Business Association in Cambodia.
Marcos, along with First Lady Liza Marcos and the Philippine delegation, likewise attended the State Banquet hosted by Acting Head of State and Senate President Hun Sen and Madame Bun Rany Hun Sen at the Peace Palace.
