Vietnam and Cambodia are preparing to strengthen cross-border trade cooperation through a business connectivity conference in Vietnam’s An Giang province, as both countries seek to increase bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2030. The initiative aims to connect businesses, expand distribution networks, improve logistics and create new opportunities for companies operating in both markets.
Key Facts
Trade target: $20 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
Latest trade value: $8.67 billion during January–August 2026.
Year-on-year growth: 8.3%.
Vietnam's exports to Cambodia: $4.28 billion, up 13.8%.
Vietnam's imports from Cambodia: $4.38 billion, up 3.4%.
Conference location: An Giang province, Vietnam.
Related trade fair: November 12–14, 2026.
Organisers: Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) and An Giang Department of Industry and Trade.
Vietnam and Cambodia Expand Cross-Border Trade Cooperation
Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the An Giang Department of Industry and Trade, is scheduled to organise a trade connectivity conference in An Giang province on Friday.
The conference forms part of Vietnam's 2026 scheme to promote cross-border trade and increase exports to Cambodia. It is intended to strengthen commercial relationships, improve connections between businesses and support the movement of goods between the neighbouring countries.
According to the ministry, economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia has continued to expand in recent years, contributing to goods circulation, supply-chain connectivity and broader bilateral relations.
The initiative comes as both countries pursue a bilateral trade target of $20 billion by 2030.
Bilateral Trade Reaches $8.67 Billion in First Eight Months
Trade between Vietnam and Cambodia reached $8.67 billion in the first eight months of 2026, representing an 8.3% increase compared with the same period last year.
Vietnam exported $4.28 billion worth of goods to Cambodia, up 13.8%, while imports from Cambodia totalled $4.38 billion, an increase of 3.4%.
Trade category | Value, Jan–Aug 2026 | Year-on-year growth |
|---|---|---|
Total bilateral trade | $8.67 billion | 8.3% |
Vietnam's exports to Cambodia | $4.28 billion | 13.8% |
Vietnam's imports from Cambodia | $4.38 billion | 3.4% |
The figures indicate continued expansion in commercial activity between the two markets, with Vietnam's exports growing faster than its imports from Cambodia during the reporting period.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade said the figures demonstrate further potential for trade cooperation and highlight the importance of strengthening business connections and identifying additional market opportunities.
Conference to Connect Businesses and Expand Distribution Networks
The conference will bring together government agencies, industry associations and businesses from Vietnam and Cambodia.
Its main objectives include exchanging market information and business experience, connecting supply and demand, identifying potential partners and expanding distribution networks.
Expected participants include representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade's Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development, the An Giang Department of Industry and Trade, relevant ministry units and the Vietnam Trade Office in Cambodia.
Representatives from provincial and municipal departments of industry and trade in southern Vietnam, Cambodian localities, business associations and companies from both countries are also expected to participate.
The discussions will cover several areas:
Market trends and consumer demand.
Market access conditions and trade opportunities.
Product quality, design, packaging and branding.
Product traceability, labelling and food safety requirements.
Cross-border trade challenges and market expansion.
Distribution networks, logistics and e-commerce development.
These discussions are intended to help businesses better understand market requirements and identify practical ways to increase commercial cooperation.
Business Matching to Create New Commercial Opportunities
A dedicated business-matching session will allow Vietnamese and Cambodian companies to discuss their commercial requirements, identify potential partners and explore cooperation opportunities.
For businesses, direct connections with suppliers, distributors and potential buyers can help reduce the challenges of entering a neighbouring market.
The session will also provide opportunities to exchange information about products, distribution channels and possible partnerships.
The organisers expect the conference to encourage more practical cooperation between companies while supporting cross-border trade and export performance.
Trade Fair to Showcase Products from Both Countries
Alongside the conference, a trade connectivity fair will take place at the same venue from November 12 to 14.
The exhibition will showcase products from businesses in both countries, including:
Local specialities.
One Commune, One Product (OCOP) products.
Agricultural and aquatic products.
Consumer goods.
Other products with export potential.
The fair will also feature promotional campaigns, shopping incentives, consumer engagement activities, artistic performances and cultural exchanges.
Organisers will incorporate livestream sales and digital media coverage to attract visitors, promote participating products and stimulate consumer demand.
The combination of business discussions and product exhibitions is intended to connect commercial opportunities with direct market exposure.
Angkor Times Analysis: Cross-Border Connectivity Could Support Cambodia's Export Growth
Vietnam and Cambodia share a strategic geographic position within the Mekong region, creating opportunities for stronger trade, logistics and business cooperation.
The latest figures show bilateral trade reached $8.67 billion in the first eight months of 2026. Reaching the $20 billion target by 2030 will require continued growth in trade volumes, stronger business partnerships and more efficient cross-border commercial operations.
For Cambodian businesses, Vietnam offers opportunities to access a neighbouring consumer market, connect with regional suppliers and explore partnerships in agriculture, food processing, manufacturing and distribution.
Several areas could be particularly important:
Agricultural and processed products: Cambodian producers could explore opportunities to expand sales of agricultural goods and processed products through Vietnamese distribution networks.
Logistics and supply chains: More efficient transport, customs procedures and distribution arrangements could help reduce costs and improve the movement of goods.
Business-to-business partnerships: Direct connections between companies could support sourcing, investment, distribution and joint commercial projects.
Digital commerce: Livestream sales and e-commerce platforms could help businesses promote products and reach consumers across borders.
Product standards and branding: Cambodian exporters will need to pay attention to quality, packaging, labelling, traceability and food safety requirements when entering new markets.
The trade target is an important policy ambition, but achieving it will depend on whether businesses can convert market access into sustained commercial transactions.
For Cambodia, stronger trade connectivity with Vietnam could support export diversification, improve regional market integration and create additional opportunities for local producers and investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Vietnam–Cambodia bilateral trade target for 2030?
Both countries are aiming to increase bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2030.
2. How much was bilateral trade in the first eight months of 2026?
Trade reached $8.67 billion, representing an 8.3% increase year-on-year.
3. How much did Vietnam export to Cambodia?
Vietnam exported $4.28 billion worth of goods to Cambodia from January to August 2026, up 13.8%.
4. How much did Vietnam import from Cambodia?
Vietnam imported $4.38 billion worth of goods from Cambodia during the same period, increasing 3.4%.
5. Where and when will the trade connectivity conference take place?
The conference is scheduled to take place in An Giang province, Vietnam, on Friday, as part of the 2026 trade promotion scheme.
6. When will the accompanying trade fair be held?
The trade connectivity fair is scheduled for November 12–14, 2026, at the same venue.
7. What will the conference focus on?
Discussions will cover market access, consumer demand, product quality, packaging, branding, traceability, food safety, logistics, e-commerce and business partnerships.