The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has surpassed its initial RM100 million sales target during its Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) to Cambodia, recording RM186 million (US$45.13 million) in sales to date.
Led by MATRADE Chairman YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, the high-level delegation comprised 26 Malaysian companies from high-growth sectors, including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), Halal-certified packaged foods, bio-fertilisers, specialty agricultural inputs, palm oil products, personal care and industrial engineering solutions.
The programme was supported by strategic partners, the Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia (MBCC) and Khmer Times.
More than 260 B2B meetings facilitated
Over the course of the mission, MATRADE facilitated more than 260 curated business-to-business (B2B) meetings, connecting Malaysian exporters with Cambodian importers, retail chain buyers and key distributors.
Among the companies engaged were Chip Mong Retail, DKSH (Cambodia) Ltd, Goodhill Enterprise and Westec Media.
The mission builds on the strong economic ties between Malaysia and Cambodia. Bilateral trade reached RM5.0 billion (US$1.17 billion) in 2025, while trade during the first half of 2026 grew 51.1% year-on-year to RM3.32 billion (US$833.2 million).
Malaysia and Cambodia target stronger bilateral trade
A key highlight of the mission was a high-level bilateral meeting between YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican and Her Excellency Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce of Cambodia.
The meeting reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations and advancing the target of achieving US$2.0 billion in bilateral trade within three years, as reaffirmed during the recent 3rd Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
Beyond immediate business outcomes, the mission also explored opportunities for deeper cooperation in the Halal sector, including technical cooperation, capacity-building and certification initiatives.
MATRADE expressed its readiness to support efforts aligned with Cambodia’s Halal Development Strategic Plan 2025–2029, with the aim of strengthening Malaysia-Cambodia Halal trade and connectivity across the wider Mekong region.
MATRADE highlights long-term business partnerships
YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican said MATRADE’s success should be measured not only by immediate sales but also by the long-term partnerships and opportunities created through its trade promotion initiatives.
“At MATRADE, we measure our success not only by the value of sales generated, but by the long-term partnerships and opportunities we help create,” said YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican. “Achieving RM186 million in sales, well above our initial RM100 million target, reflects the strong confidence and growing demand among Cambodian businesses for Malaysian products and services. This mission demonstrates the potential to take Malaysia-Cambodia trade beyond individual transactions towards deeper partnerships, stronger business linkages and sustainable growth for both countries.”
MATRADE to continue supporting Malaysian exporters
To sustain the momentum generated by the mission, MATRADE will continue to monitor and facilitate business leads through its permanent office in Phnom Penh.
Cambodian corporate leaders and buyers were also invited to participate in the upcoming 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), scheduled to take place from 23 to 26 September 2026 in Kuala Lumpur.
The showcase will provide opportunities for Cambodian businesses to connect with Malaysian and international suppliers across multiple sectors.
ASEAN integration opens more trade opportunities
In line with the outcomes of the mission, MATRADE continues to play a pivotal role in advancing ASEAN integration by helping Malaysian businesses capitalise on regional trade frameworks such as the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).
By leveraging ATIGA’s tariff elimination on 98.86% of regional goods, MATRADE aims to help Malaysian exporters reduce trade barriers, optimise supply chain efficiency and strengthen their presence across dynamic Southeast Asian markets.
The latest mission highlights the growing potential for Malaysian businesses to expand into Cambodia while strengthening Malaysia’s wider position within ASEAN supply chains and regional trade networks.
