One way trade deficit with Thailand ... while Cambodian rice and cassava are banned in Thailand: What is there to be proud of, Mr. Cham Prasidh?

Cambodia-Thailand: Trade exchange on the rise

23 March 2009
By Ky Soklim
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Tola Ek

In spite of the world financial and economic crisis, the results of the economic trade between the two kingdoms show a significant increase. This news was announced by Cham Prasidh, the Cambodian minister of Commerce, during a Thai trade fair held in Phnom Penh.
On 22 March, Cham Prasidh declared during the opening of the Thai trade fair that “commercial trade between the two countries never stops increasing from one year to another.”

In 2008, the volume of commercial trade between the countries amounted $2.1 billion, i.e. a 52% increase over 2007. Cambodia exported about $90 million, but it imported $2 billion worth from Thailand.

“In spite of the financial crisis which affects the region and the world, trade between our two countries is not affected,” Cham Prasidh claimed while adding that the volume of trade exchange amounted only to $1.4 billion in 2007.

The Thai trade fair is held at the Mondial Center in Phnom Penh between 22 and 26 March. 124 companies are participating in the event showcasing 214 display stands. Construction materials, beauty supplies, food, clothes etc… are on display to the Cambodian public. “ I believe that these products are distributed in Cambodia, and they attract more and more the local customers,” Cham Prasidh added.