Cambodia is seeking to expand exports, attract foreign investment and strengthen transport connectivity with Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan following Prime Minister Hun Manet’s six-day tour, which concluded on October 17, 2026. The visit opened new channels for commercial cooperation across manufacturing, consumer goods, logistics and tourism, but relatively modest trade volumes underline the challenge of converting diplomatic engagement into sustained economic results. Cambodia and Türkiye are maintaining an ambition to increase annual bilateral trade to $1 billion, while engagement with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan offers additional opportunities to diversify Cambodia’s international economic partnerships.
Key Facts
Countries visited: Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
Visit concluded: October 17, 2026, following a six-day tour.
Cambodia–Türkiye trade: Approximately $400 million in 2025, up 18% year-on-year.
Bilateral trade ambition: $1 billion annually between Cambodia and Türkiye.
Cambodia–Kazakhstan trade: $40.7 million in 2025, compared with $33.8 million in 2024.
Cambodia–Azerbaijan trade: $12.7 million in 2025.
Transport opportunities: Discussions included potential connections between the Trans-Caspian transport route and networks extending through China and Southeast Asia.
Implementation priorities: Export development, investment partnerships, transport feasibility, tax cooperation and follow-through on agreements.
Cambodia–Türkiye Trade Target Remains a Major Priority
Türkiye represents the largest existing trade relationship among the three countries involved in Hun Manet’s tour.
Bilateral trade reached approximately $400 million in 2025, an increase of 18% from the previous year, according to figures cited by Cambodia Investment Review.
Both governments have reaffirmed their ambition to raise annual trade to $1 billion. The target was initially agreed upon in 2018 by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and then-Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Achieving that objective would require bilateral trade to increase substantially from its reported 2025 level. The target therefore represents a longer-term commercial ambition rather than an outcome already secured by the latest visit.
During the tour, the two countries signed several memorandums of understanding, while plans for a trade forum in Türkiye could provide an additional platform for businesses to identify buyers, suppliers, investors and commercial partners.
Cambodia Chamber of Commerce President Kith Meng also met business counterparts during the visit. Chamber Vice President Lim Heng identified opportunities for stronger commercial engagement while acknowledging that existing trade remained limited.
Existing connections provide a foundation
Cambodia and Türkiye already have diplomatic and transport links that could support deeper economic engagement.
Türkiye opened its embassy in Phnom Penh in 2013, while Turkish Airlines began direct flights between Istanbul and Phnom Penh in December 2025, according to the report.
Direct air connectivity can make business travel more convenient and support tourism, trade missions and professional exchanges. However, its contribution to higher trade will depend on the development of commercial relationships, demand for services and the ability of businesses to establish viable transactions.
For Cambodian exporters, Türkiye could offer an additional market for consumer goods and manufactured products. Turkish businesses could also explore opportunities to supply goods, services and investment expertise to Cambodia.
The report does not identify specific new investment values or confirmed commercial contracts resulting from the tour.
Kazakhstan Offers Opportunities for Export Diversification
Cambodia’s economic engagement with Kazakhstan is smaller than its relationship with Türkiye but has recorded growth in recent years.
Bilateral trade reached $40.7 million in 2025, compared with $33.8 million in 2024. Trade totalled $20.6 million during the first half of 2026, representing year-on-year growth of 1.4%.
Cambodian exports cited in the report include textiles, knitwear, footwear and other consumer goods.
These products provide a starting point for exporters seeking to expand into Central Asian markets. However, increasing sales will require businesses to understand local demand, establish distribution arrangements and compete on price, quality and delivery reliability.
For Cambodian manufacturers, market diversification can provide additional opportunities to reach customers beyond established trading partners. Yet a larger addressable market does not automatically translate into higher exports. Businesses need reliable buyers, commercially viable logistics and the ability to meet applicable product and regulatory requirements.
Transport connectivity could improve market access
Discussions with Kazakhstan included the possibility of connecting the Trans-Caspian transport route with networks extending through China and Southeast Asia.
Such connections could potentially create additional freight options for Cambodian exporters seeking access to Central Asian markets and beyond.
The commercial value of a route would depend on total transportation costs, delivery times, customs procedures, cargo-handling arrangements and reliability compared with existing shipping options.
The report does not confirm that a new route has been established or that a specific transport project has received final approval. The proposal remains an opportunity for further evaluation and cooperation.
For businesses, the priority will be to determine whether alternative transport arrangements can improve competitiveness and provide a reliable way to serve overseas customers.
Azerbaijan Seeks Stronger Economic Cooperation With Cambodia
Cambodia’s trade with Azerbaijan remains relatively small, standing at $12.7 million in 2025.
Azerbaijan imported $7.2 million in Cambodian goods during the first eight months of 2026, according to the report.
The figures indicate that there may be room to expand commercial exchanges, although the available information does not provide a complete breakdown of bilateral trade by product or establish the main constraints facing exporters.
During the visit, the two countries signed agreements covering double taxation and trade and economic cooperation.
These arrangements could help establish a clearer framework for businesses considering cross-border transactions and investment. A double-taxation agreement can, depending on its final terms and implementation, clarify how particular types of income are taxed across jurisdictions and reduce uncertainty for qualifying taxpayers.
However, the practical benefits will depend on the agreement’s legal status, entry into force, implementing procedures and application to specific businesses.
The report does not provide details of the agreement’s provisions or confirm when it will take effect.
Potential Embassy Plans and Direct Flights Remain Longer-Term Prospects
Beyond trade and investment agreements, Cambodia is considering ways to strengthen its diplomatic and transport presence in the region.
The report identifies possible Cambodian embassies in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan as longer-term prospects. Such diplomatic missions could support business engagement, consular services and official communication, but their establishment would depend on funding and budgetary approval.
Direct air services were also discussed as a potential means of strengthening connectivity.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation spokesperson Chann Rotana indicated that airline services would require sufficient passenger demand.
For aviation operators, route viability depends on factors such as passenger volumes, cargo demand, operating costs and the availability of connecting traffic. The report does not confirm that direct flights between Cambodia and either Kazakhstan or Azerbaijan have been approved or scheduled.
In the near term, trade missions, business forums and existing air connections may offer more immediate channels for strengthening commercial relationships while longer-term transport and diplomatic proposals are assessed.
Private-Sector Partnerships Will Be Essential
Cambodian business representatives participated in the tour, reflecting the importance of private-sector involvement in converting government-to-government engagement into commercial activity.
Mehmet Enes Beser, an analyst specialising in Türkiye–ASEAN relations, identified potential for industrial and commercial cooperation with Türkiye and broader connections through Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan into Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
Him Raksmey, executive director of the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies, also highlighted the importance of continued diplomatic and economic exchanges, alongside education, tourism and cultural cooperation.
These perspectives suggest that the benefits of the tour could extend beyond merchandise trade to include services, professional exchanges and commercial partnerships.
However, the report does not specify how many businesses have committed to new projects, the value of prospective investments or the number of export orders expected to result from the visit.
Companies will need to identify opportunities that meet actual market demand and establish the commercial arrangements necessary to execute them.
Key Challenges to Turning Agreements Into Economic Results
Although the tour expanded channels for engagement, several practical issues could influence its economic impact.
1. Limited existing trade volumes
Trade with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan remains relatively modest, while Cambodia and Türkiye still need to make substantial progress towards their $1 billion annual trade ambition.
Building stronger relationships will require sustained commercial outreach rather than diplomatic agreements alone.
2. Transport costs and reliability
Potential new routes could expand market access, but exporters must compare their cost and performance with existing logistics options.
A route that is geographically attractive may not be commercially viable if it involves high freight costs, lengthy transit times or complicated handling arrangements.
3. Market knowledge and distribution
Cambodian companies entering unfamiliar markets need reliable information about consumer demand, pricing, regulations and potential buyers.
Distribution partners and repeat orders will be important in determining whether initial commercial contacts develop into sustained export activity.
4. Investment implementation
Memorandums of understanding and cooperation agreements can establish a framework for future activity, but they do not automatically guarantee investment.
Businesses will still need to complete due diligence, secure financing, negotiate terms and meet regulatory requirements before projects can proceed.
5. Clear measures of progress
The report cites Beser’s suggestion that results be assessed over the next six to 12 months through developments such as secured financing, operational pilot projects, completed training programmes and repeat export orders.
These indicators could help distinguish progress in diplomatic engagement from tangible commercial outcomes.
Angkor Times Analysis: Cambodia Needs to Turn Eurasia Outreach Into Repeat Business
Hun Manet’s tour has expanded Cambodia’s channels for engagement with Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, offering opportunities to diversify exports, attract investment and explore new logistics connections.
The strongest existing foundation is the Cambodia–Türkiye relationship, where reported bilateral trade reached approximately $400 million in 2025 and both governments continue to pursue a $1 billion annual trade ambition. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan provide smaller starting points from which Cambodian businesses could explore additional customers and commercial partnerships.
The central challenge is execution.
Trade growth depends on businesses finding buyers, agreeing on competitive prices, meeting market requirements and delivering goods reliably. Investment depends on viable projects, financing, regulatory clarity and the confidence of participating companies. Transport proposals must demonstrate that they offer a practical advantage over available alternatives.
For policymakers, a useful next step would be to translate the agreements into a clear pipeline of commercial opportunities, supported by business matchmaking, market information and follow-up with prospective partners.
For Cambodian exporters, the immediate priority is to identify products with realistic demand in the three markets and assess the full cost of reaching customers. For investors, the value of the tour will depend on whether new commercial relationships progress into financed projects and operational activity.
The suggested six-to-12-month review period could provide an initial framework for assessing progress through measurable indicators such as repeat export orders, secured investment financing, completed training initiatives and operational pilot projects.
Ultimately, the tour should be evaluated not simply by the number of meetings or agreements signed, but by whether it produces sustained trade, investment, employment and stronger economic connections between Cambodia and its Eurasian partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries did Hun Manet visit during the Eurasia tour?
The six-day tour included Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan and concluded on October 17, 2026.
How much did Cambodia and Türkiye trade in 2025?
Bilateral trade reached approximately $400 million in 2025, up 18% from the previous year, according to figures cited in the report.
What is Cambodia’s trade target with Türkiye?
The two countries have maintained an ambition to increase annual bilateral trade to $1 billion. The target was initially agreed upon in 2018.
How much did Cambodia trade with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan?
Cambodia–Kazakhstan trade reached $40.7 million in 2025, while Cambodia–Azerbaijan trade stood at $12.7 million.
What transport opportunities were discussed?
Discussions with Kazakhstan included the possibility of connecting the Trans-Caspian transport route with networks extending through China and Southeast Asia. The report does not confirm that a new route has been established.
Were new investment projects confirmed during the tour?
The report describes agreements, memorandums of understanding and potential commercial opportunities, but does not identify specific new investment values or confirmed commercial contracts resulting from the visit.
What will determine whether the tour succeeds economically?
Progress will depend on whether diplomatic engagement produces repeat export orders, viable investment projects, reliable logistics arrangements and sustained private-sector cooperation.