ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Cambodia, while stressing the need for expanding industrial and economic cooperation, have highlighted that both countries can cooperate in multiple sectors of the economy.
The avenues of economic and industrial cooperation between the two countries came under discussion during a meeting between Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Haroon Akhtar Khan and the Cambodian Minister for Commerce Cham Nimul, here on Wednesday at Ministry of Industry and Production.
Both sides exchanged views on strengthening economic and industrial partnerships, enhancing future bilateral relations, and promoting investment opportunities. Haroon appreciated Cambodia’s impressive economic progress in recent years and stated that Pakistan could learn from Cambodia’s development experience.
The Cambodian Minister for Commerce praised Pakistan’s natural beauty, abundant resources, and strong defense capabilities. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the industrial sector, particularly in the textile industry, where value addition can bring mutual benefits to both countries.
The Cambodian Minister noted that 166 Pakistani-origin companies are currently operating in Cambodia and expressed interest in establishing a Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cambodia to facilitate their activities. She also proposed the exchange of business-to-business (B2B) delegations to strengthen the trade and commercial ties.
Haroon emphasised that the present government has taken comprehensive measures to boost Pakistan’s economy. He further highlighted that the National Industrial Policy and National Tariff Policy have been prepared under the leadership of the Prime Minister to accelerate economic growth and promote industrial development.
He underscored the potential for collaboration in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA). He stated that under the current government’s vision, SMEDA has demonstrated remarkable performance and can serve as a bridge for expanding cooperation with Cambodia. Highlighting the immense potential of Pakistani SMEs, Haroon said that “Made in Pakistan” products such as olive oil, honey, and leather goods are of top-notch quality and need greater access to international markets.
He also emphasised the significant contribution of Pakistani women entrepreneurs working from home in the SME sector and stressed the importance of providing them with export opportunities. At the conclusion of the meeting, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan presented commemorative gifts to the Cambodian Minister for Commerce as a gesture of goodwill and friendship between the two nations.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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