Commerce Minister Cham Nimul on September 18 presided over the inauguration of the Cambodia National Pavilion at the five-day international trade exhibition in Guangxi.
The pavilion brings together Cambodian products, cultural displays and information on investment and tourism, providing local businesses with an opportunity to connect with international buyers, investors and potential business partners.
The expo is being held from September 17 to 21 at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre under the theme “China ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Opportunities, Better Life.”
Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 23rd China ASEAN Expo |
| Dates | September 17–21, 2026 |
| Location | Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Guangxi, China |
| Cambodia Pavilion | 160 square metres |
| Cambodia's pavilion theme | Kampong Speu |
| Pavilion design | Inspired by traditional Khmer architecture |
| Lead official | Commerce Minister Cham Nimul |
| Main objectives | Product promotion, trade, investment and tourism |
| Participating economies | China and ASEAN countries |
| Expo theme | “China ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Opportunities, Better Life” |
Cambodia Opens National Pavilion in Nanning
The Ministry of Commerce organised a 160-square-metre Cambodia National Pavilion for the five-day exhibition.
Kampong Speu province features prominently in the pavilion, reflecting the province's growing role in Cambodia's industrial, agricultural and investment landscape.
The pavilion's design draws inspiration from traditional Khmer architecture and combines Cambodian art and cultural elements with displays of locally produced goods.
The opening ceremony was attended by He Wenhao, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, alongside Cambodian officials, representatives of relevant ministries and institutions, Kampong Speu provincial officials and private-sector representatives.
Cambodian Products Take Centre Stage
The pavilion provides Cambodian companies with a platform to introduce locally produced goods to buyers and business representatives attending the expo.
Product exhibitions at international trade fairs can provide businesses with opportunities to establish commercial contacts, identify potential distributors and assess demand in overseas markets.
For Cambodian producers, China represents a major consumer market as well as an important gateway into wider regional supply chains.
The participation also gives companies an opportunity to explore partnerships with businesses from ASEAN countries attending the exhibition.
Kampong Speu Featured as Key Theme
The decision to feature Kampong Speu gives the province an additional platform to promote its economic potential.
Kampong Speu has developed a significant industrial base, with provincial authorities recently reporting nearly 3,000 factories and enterprises employing more than 400,000 workers.
The province is also seeking additional foreign investment in areas including agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, construction materials, tourism, technology, logistics, mining, new energy and environmental services.
At the same time, more than 42 Chinese companies have recently expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in Kampong Speu, according to provincial authorities.
The presence of Kampong Speu at CAEXPO therefore links product promotion with a broader effort to attract investment and expand the province's economic connections with China.
Trade and Investment Opportunities Under One Platform
Cambodia's participation extends beyond displaying products.
The Ministry of Commerce said the pavilion provides a platform for Cambodian businesses to explore potential partnerships and market opportunities across China and ASEAN.
The expo brings together businesses, government representatives and investors from the region, creating opportunities for companies to establish new commercial relationships.
For Cambodia, these interactions are relevant to both export diversification and foreign investment attraction.
Companies seeking to expand production can potentially use international trade exhibitions to identify buyers, suppliers, technology partners and investors.
China Remains a Major Trading Partner
The CAEXPO participation comes as Cambodia's trade with China continues to expand.
During the first eight months of 2026, Cambodia's bilateral trade with China reached approximately US$15.53 billion, according to figures previously reported by Cambodian authorities.
Cambodian exports to China increased by approximately 23.4 percent to around US$1.3 billion, while imports from China rose by about 20.7 percent to approximately US$14.2 billion.
The figures highlight the scale of China's role in Cambodia's international trade and the potential importance of the Chinese market for Cambodian exporters.
ASEAN Provides a Wider Regional Market
The expo also creates opportunities for Cambodia to strengthen commercial relationships with other ASEAN economies.
Cambodia is already integrated into several regional trade arrangements, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Cambodia's trade with RCEP member countries reached approximately US$31.93 billion during the first eight months of 2026, representing an increase of about 21.2 percent year on year.
The RCEP market accounted for roughly 61 percent of Cambodia's total international trade during the period.
CAEXPO provides another platform through which Cambodian businesses can explore opportunities within this wider regional trading environment.
China ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0
This year's expo is being held under the theme “China ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Opportunities, Better Life.”
The theme reflects the next stage of economic cooperation between China and ASEAN, with greater emphasis on new areas of trade and economic integration.
For Cambodian businesses, regional trade liberalisation can create opportunities to reach larger markets, while also increasing competition among producers.
Businesses therefore need to focus on product quality, competitive pricing, supply reliability and compliance with market requirements when entering new markets.
Tourism Promotion Adds Another Dimension
Cambodia's pavilion also highlights the country's tourism potential.
The combination of cultural displays, Cambodian architecture and product exhibitions allows visitors to encounter both commercial and cultural aspects of the Kingdom.
Tourism promotion is particularly relevant because China remains one of Cambodia's important tourism markets.
Promoting tourism alongside trade and investment can also help position Cambodia as a destination for both visitors and business activity.
Trade Fairs Support Export Diversification
International trade exhibitions can be particularly useful for Cambodia as the country seeks to diversify its export base.
Traditional Cambodian exports such as garments, footwear and travel goods remain important, but the country's manufacturing and agricultural sectors are gradually expanding into additional products.
Agricultural processing, bicycles, vehicle components, electronics and other manufactured goods offer opportunities for Cambodia to increase value-added production and develop new export markets.
Trade fairs such as CAEXPO can help producers test international demand and establish relationships outside their traditional customer base.
Cambodia Seeks Stronger China and ASEAN Business Links
The Cambodian government's participation reflects an effort to use regional trade platforms not only for promotion but also for business matchmaking and investment attraction.
For private companies, the value of the exhibition will ultimately depend on whether meetings and contacts lead to concrete orders, distribution agreements, investment projects or longer-term partnerships.
For the public sector, the event provides an opportunity to present Cambodia's investment environment and highlight sectors where the country is seeking additional capital and technology.
What Cambodian Businesses Can Gain From CAEXPO
Participation in a major regional exhibition can provide several potential benefits for Cambodian companies:
Access to potential buyers and distributors
Exposure to Chinese and ASEAN consumers
Opportunities to identify investment partners
Business-to-business networking
Market research and competitor insights
Opportunities to promote Cambodian brands
Exploration of regional supply-chain partnerships
Greater visibility for Cambodian tourism and investment
The benefits will vary by company and sector, but the exhibition provides a concentrated platform for businesses to make international connections.
Angkor Times Analysis
Cambodia's participation in the 23rd China ASEAN Expo comes at a time when the Kingdom is seeking to expand exports, diversify markets and attract investment beyond traditional sectors. The 160-square-metre national pavilion gives Cambodian companies a physical platform to promote products while simultaneously presenting Cambodia's investment and tourism opportunities.
The inclusion of Kampong Speu is particularly relevant because the province is developing into a significant industrial centre and is actively seeking new foreign investment. The recent interest expressed by more than 42 Chinese companies provides additional context for the province's participation.
The longer-term value of CAEXPO will depend on what happens after the exhibition. Converting product displays and business meetings into export orders, investment commitments, distribution partnerships and supply-chain relationships will be a more meaningful measure of commercial impact than exhibition participation alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the China ASEAN Expo?
The China ASEAN Expo, or CAEXPO, is a regional trade and investment exhibition that brings together businesses, government representatives and other stakeholders from China and ASEAN countries.
When is the 23rd China ASEAN Expo being held?
The 23rd CAEXPO is taking place from September 17 to 21, 2026, at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Guangxi, China.
How large is Cambodia's national pavilion?
Cambodia's National Pavilion covers 160 square metres.
Why is Kampong Speu featured?
Kampong Speu is featured as a key theme to showcase its economic, trade and investment potential, alongside Cambodian products and cultural elements.
What does Cambodia promote at the expo?
Cambodia is promoting locally produced goods as well as the country's investment, trade and tourism potential.
Why is China important to Cambodian exporters?
China is one of Cambodia's largest trading partners and provides a substantial consumer market as well as connections to regional supply chains.
Can the expo attract investment to Cambodia?
The expo provides a platform for Cambodian officials and businesses to meet potential investors and partners. However, participation or expressions of interest do not automatically translate into confirmed investment projects.
Sources
Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, information on Cambodia's participation in the 23rd China ASEAN Expo.