ISLAMABAD, Feb 9 (APP):Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Government of Pakistan, today received Ms.Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia, at the State Lounge of Islamabad International Airport.
Accompanied by a senior official delegation, Cham Nimul is in Pakistan from February 10-11, 2026, to co-chair the 2nd meeting of the Pakistan-Cambodia Joint Trade Committee (JTC), said a release issued here on Monday.
The inaugural JTC session was held in Phnom Penh on January 21, 2025, led by Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan.
The JTC serves as the primary platform to advance bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
Diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Cambodia were formalized on May 28, 1952, with Pakistan among the first nations to recognize Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule.
While bilateral trade volumes remain modest, Pakistan consistently enjoys a surplus.
In FY 2024-25, Pakistan exported goods worth $29.2 million to Cambodia, against imports of $4.70 million, yielding a trade balance of $24.5 million (source: TDAS).
Key Pakistani exports include medicaments (USD 11.74 million), woven cotton fabrics ($5.23 million), cotton yarn ($2.72 million), and prepared leather products. Imports from Cambodia feature structures ($2.29 million), cocoa powder ($ 1.85 million), and select apparel items.
The 1st JTC explored collaboration in trade facilitation, investment, agriculture, textiles, customs, and related sectors, with discussions on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
This visit will feature the official announcement of the launch of PTA negotiations, designed to lower tariffs, improve market access, expand trade volumes, and promote joint ventures.
This engagement supports Pakistan’s strategy to build bilateral ties with ASEAN members amid efforts toward broader ASEAN integration. Cambodia, with its robust growth (around 6% GDP in 2024, driven by tourism and manufacturing) and participation in RCEP and multiple FTAs, offers complementary opportunities.
The Government of Pakistan is committed to elevating economic relations with Cambodia, fostering sustainable growth, and unlocking mutual benefits through enhanced trade and investment linkages.