Phnom Penh:Vietnam, Canada, and France have emerged as key trading partners for Cambodia within the Francophone community. This development underscores Cambodia's expanding economic and trade relations as the country gears up to host the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh this weekend.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, trade statistics from the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia reveal that Vietnam leads among the three countries with a bilateral trade volume of US$7.16 billion in the first ten months of 2026, marking an 8.8 percent increase from the previous year. During this period, Cambodia exported goods worth US$3.4 billion to Vietnam, an 8.4 percent rise, while imports from Vietnam totaled US$3.76 billion, a 9.2 percent increase.
Canada ranks as Cambodia's second-largest trading partner among the Francophone countries, with trade reaching US$1.22 billion from January to October 2026, reflecting an 8.3 percent year-on-year growth. Cambodian exports to Canada were valued at US$1.14 billion, a 7.2 percent increase, whereas imports from Canada surged by 27.8 percent, totaling US$75.5 million.
Trade with France amounted to nearly US$561 million in the same period, showing an approximate 16 percent increase. Cambodia exported US$431.4 million worth of goods to France, marking a 12.6 percent rise, while French imports increased by US$28.4 million, exceeding US$129 million.
These figures highlight the significance of Vietnam, Canada, and France as pivotal partners in Cambodia's international trade landscape, each contributing through unique geographical, historical, and commercial relationships. Vietnam stands as a crucial neighboring partner, Canada as a major export market, and France continues its long-standing economic ties with Cambodia through historical and Francophone community links.
As Cambodia anticipates hosting the Francophonie Summit, these trade statistics emphasize the potential for the nation to leverage its Francophone leadership to enhance economic ties, attract investments, and broaden market access with French-speaking countries. H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, mentioned in an interview that Cambodia is ready to expand cooperation in trade, tourism, culture, technology, and education with all members of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
The OIF, established in 1970, now comprises 90 member states and governments, including 53 full members, five associate members, and 32 observers, with Cambodia being one of its founding members, officially joining in 1993.