Cambodia and Vietnam Enhance Cross-Border E-Commerce Collaboration

Cambodia and Vietnam are intensifying their efforts to bolster cross-border e-commerce, as evidenced by a recent seminar held on July 15 at the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) in Phnom Penh. The event, titled "Promoting Cross-Border E-commerce between Vietnam and Cambodia: Connecting Markets and Expanding Export Potential," aimed to facilitate supply chains and create opportunities for businesses in both nations to expand into regional and global markets.

Jointly organized by the CCC, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Vietnam Trade Office in Cambodia, the seminar emphasized the importance of economic cooperation and bilateral trade. Tan Monivann, president of the CCC, remarked on the strengthening diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries, noting that Vietnam has become Cambodia’s leading trading partner within ASEAN and one of its largest global partners. He encouraged Vietnamese investors to engage with Cambodian businesses to better understand local online consumer behavior and the investment environment.

“Today, Vietnam is Cambodia’s leading trading partner within ASEAN and one of Cambodia’s largest trading partners globally.”Tan Monivann, CCC President

Nguyen Anh Vu, representing Vietnam’s E-commerce and Digital Economy Department, highlighted Vietnam's rapid growth in the e-commerce sector, which is among the fastest in Southeast Asia. He pointed out that Cambodia is also experiencing significant growth, driven by a young population and increasing internet usage. He stated that the complementarity of the two neighbouring markets, combined with favourable logistics conditions, creates an ideal environment for businesses in both countries to strengthen trade and digital business cooperation.

“The complementarity of the two neighbouring markets, combined with favourable logistics conditions, creates an ideal environment for businesses in both countries to strengthen trade.”Nguyen Anh Vu, Vietnam’s E-commerce and Digital Economy Department

The seminar featured product exhibitions and discussions on key topics, including Cambodian online consumer trends and the country's e-commerce infrastructure. According to the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE), bilateral trade between Cambodia and Vietnam reached $4.73 billion in the first half of 2026, an increase of 9% from the same period in 2025. Cambodian exports totaled $2.52 billion, reflecting a 14.9% rise, while imports were $2.21 billion, up 2.9%.

Economist Hong Vanak from the Royal Academy of Cambodia noted that improved diplomatic relations have significantly accelerated bilateral trade, particularly exports to Vietnam. He indicated that agricultural products constitute a large share of this trade, with traders from both countries purchasing crops from Cambodian farmers for processing in Vietnam. He explained that trade will continue to increase, especially as both governments have agreements in place to facilitate cross-border cargo transportation.

“Trade will continue to increase, especially as both governments have agreements in place to facilitate cross-border cargo transportation.”Hong Vanak, Economist, Royal Academy of Cambodia

Both countries share extensive land and maritime borders, suggesting that the actual volume of bilateral trade may be higher than the officially recorded figures. Cambodia's primary exports to Vietnam include paddy rice, cashew nuts, and various agricultural products, while Vietnam exports construction materials, machinery, and electronic equipment to Cambodia.