Cambodia-China trade increases to $912 for first half of 2011

By Sok Lak

“Bilateral trade between Cambodia and China has grown about 82 percent in first half of 2011,” Ministry of Commerce official said.

According to report, Bilateral trade volume between Cambodia and China in first half of 2010 is valued at US$ 501 million and US$ 912.76 million at 2011 increasing over the same period with last year.

The total export of Cambodia to China have grown 275 percent so far with this year with an increase from US$17.68 million to US$66.31 million if comparing to the same period last year. At the same time, the total export of China to Cambodia increased by 75 percent which is a figure that rose from US$483.37 million to 846.45 million.

The main products exported from Cambodia to China are agricultural products, rubber, fishery products, wood, clothing and textiles. But China products exported are mainly raw materials, machinery, food, electrical appliance, furniture, light industrial products, medicine and cosmetics.

China also assists Cambodia to build road, bridge construction, other infrastructure, and invest in hydropower which are national development priorities and promote economic and social development in Cambodia as strength trade relationship between two countries, Kong Putheara, Director of Statistics Department for Ministry of Commerce. “China is not only important donors in Cambodia, but it is also largest source of investment and trading partner.”

Last year, bilateral trade volume of Cambodia and China is US$1.4 billion. This year, both countries are committing to reach US$2.5 as bilateral trade volume for the setting goal in 2012.

Source: The Southeast Asia Weekly, July 31-August 6, 2011, Vol. 5, Issue 31, Page 3