In a video conference on July 20, Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan and Cambodian Commerce Minister Pan Sorasak jointly announced the conclusion of China-Cambodia FTA negotiations and exchanged views on joint COVID-19 response and ways to deepen bilateral trade and economic links. Vice Commerce Minister and Deputy China International Trade Representative Wang Shouwen attended the meeting.

Minister Zhong Shan noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Cambodia. President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Hun Sen paid close attention to the FTA negotiations and made many important instructions. Entering into a bilateral FTA is a concrete step to act on the leaders’ instructions, grow the comprehensive strategic partnership, and work for a community with a shared future between China and Cambodia. It is also a specific move to support each other, stabilize regional supply chains and industrial chains and promote regional economic recovery. MOFCOM is ready to continue sound cooperation with Cambodian commerce ministry and lay the ground for the signing of the FTA. The two sides should take this opportunity to bring bilateral commercial cooperation to a new height and contribute to an open world economy.

Minister Pan Sorasak noted that the China-Cambodia FTA is a milestone in bilateral relations that signals a new era for the comprehensive strategic partnership and the Belt and Road cooperation. It will take the bilateral trade and economic ties to a higher level. The FTA will be a great enabler for Cambodia to work closely with China and contribute to bilateral commercial cooperation and global economic recovery.

The Joint Statement on the Conclusion of FTA Negotiations between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Cambodia was published after the meeting.