Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet arrived in Hanoi on June 8, 2026, for an official visit focused on strengthening diplomatic ties, expanding economic cooperation, and exploring new investment opportunities between Cambodia and Vietnam. The visit comes at a significant moment as both countries prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. Alongside senior government officials and business leaders, Hun Manet is engaging with Vietnamese counterparts to promote trade, investment, regional cooperation, and sustainable economic growth.
The two day visit highlights Cambodia’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Vietnam through government to government discussions and private sector engagement. The visit also coincides with the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi, where regional leaders are gathering to discuss the future of Southeast Asia, economic integration, and regional development.
High Level Talks Focus on Bilateral Cooperation
During his visit, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet held official talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, connectivity, and people to people exchanges.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relations between the neighboring countries and identified new opportunities for collaboration. As Cambodia and Vietnam continue to strengthen their economic partnership, both governments view the upcoming 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to deepen their longstanding friendship and comprehensive cooperation.
According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two prime ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout Southeast Asia.
Meeting With Vietnam’s Top Leadership
In addition to his meeting with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Hun Manet paid a courtesy call on Vietnamese leader To Lam. The meeting highlighted the importance of continued cooperation at both bilateral and regional levels.
The discussions reflected the growing importance of Cambodia and Vietnam’s partnership in addressing shared opportunities and challenges. Both sides acknowledged the benefits of closer collaboration in areas such as economic development, regional connectivity, and ASEAN cooperation.
These high level engagements demonstrate the commitment of both governments to maintaining a constructive and forward looking relationship that supports growth and stability in the region.
Business Leaders Join Mission to Explore Investment Opportunities
A key feature of the visit is the participation of Cambodian business leaders. The delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, as well as leading representatives from the private sector.
Among them is Kith Meng, President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and Chair of ASEAN BAC Cambodia. Business delegates are participating in meetings designed to strengthen commercial ties and identify new opportunities for investment and trade between the two countries.
The delegation’s agenda includes a working meeting with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a business matchmaking event connecting Cambodian and Vietnamese companies. These engagements are expected to encourage new partnerships and facilitate greater private sector cooperation.
Learning From Vietnam’s Industrial Success
As part of the visit, Cambodian delegates will tour major enterprises in Hanoi, with a particular focus on electronics manufacturing and industrial development.
The visits provide an opportunity for Cambodian business leaders and policymakers to gain valuable insights into Vietnam’s industrial growth and manufacturing capabilities. Officials hope the experience will help identify opportunities for future collaboration in technology, manufacturing, and investment sectors.
By studying successful industries in Vietnam, Cambodia aims to accelerate its own economic transformation and attract more investment into high value sectors that support long term development.
Strong Trade Growth Between Cambodia and Vietnam
Economic ties between Cambodia and Vietnam continue to expand. According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade reached US$7.7 billion in 2025, reflecting the importance of the economic relationship between the two countries.
Trade data also show encouraging growth in 2026. Cambodian exports to Vietnam totaled US$1.99 billion during the first four months of the year, representing an increase of 11.5 percent compared to the same period in 2025.
Overall trade between the two countries increased by 4.3 percent to US$3.36 billion, while imports from Vietnam declined by 4.6 percent to US$1.36 billion. The figures suggest growing competitiveness among Cambodian exporters and continued momentum in bilateral trade.
ASEAN Future Forum Highlights Regional Vision
Another important aspect of the visit is Hun Manet’s participation in the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi. The event brings together regional leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss ASEAN’s future development and priorities.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet is expected to deliver a keynote address focusing on regional cooperation, economic integration, and sustainable development. His participation reflects Cambodia’s active role in shaping the future direction of ASEAN and promoting stronger regional partnerships.
The forum provides an important platform for exchanging ideas and strengthening cooperation among member states as Southeast Asia continues to navigate global economic and geopolitical changes.
Update June 9, 2026
Vietnam Becomes a Key Economic Partner Amid Regional Challenges
Prime Minister Hun Manet’s official visit to Hanoi has taken on added significance as Cambodia seeks to strengthen regional economic partnerships during a period of tension with Thailand. Against this backdrop, Vietnam is emerging as an increasingly important trade and investment partner, with both governments reaffirming their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation and long term stability.
During bilateral talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Hun Manet emphasized the importance of deeper collaboration across a wide range of sectors, including politics, trade, investment, security, education, healthcare, tourism, culture, energy, infrastructure, and people to people exchanges. The leaders also highlighted the need to accelerate strategic connectivity projects that could bring the two economies even closer together.
Focus on Connectivity and the $20 Billion Trade Goal
Infrastructure and transport links were among the key priorities discussed during the visit. Hun Manet stressed the importance of connecting the Phnom Penh Bavet Expressway with the Ho Chi Minh City Moc Bai Expressway while also improving waterway transport and expanding direct flight connections between the two countries.
The Prime Minister also called for more efficient cross border cargo procedures to reduce transportation time and facilitate smoother trade flows. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to help Cambodia and Vietnam achieve their shared target of reaching US$20 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
Business Forum Opens New Investment Opportunities
A major highlight of the visit was the Cambodia Vietnam Business Forum in Hanoi, jointly organized by the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event brought together leading business executives and investors from both countries to explore new opportunities for trade, investment, and strategic partnerships.
Speaking at the forum, Cambodia Chamber of Commerce President Kith Meng said the diplomatic relationship established in 1967 has grown into a strong economic partnership that benefits both nations. He expressed confidence that the bilateral trade target could be achieved through closer cooperation and continued efforts to improve cross border commerce.
Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Nguyen Quang Vinh also praised the growing relationship between the two business communities. He identified stronger market connectivity, shared value chains, and joint training programs for small and medium enterprises as important areas for future cooperation.
Private Sector Cooperation Gains Momentum
The business forum also featured business to business meetings covering sectors such as digital solutions, agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. Participants explored practical ways to strengthen commercial ties and encourage greater private sector participation in regional growth.
At the same time, the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce launched a separate business mission to Hanoi led by Kith Meng and a delegation of senior business leaders. The group is taking part in high level discussions, networking events, and visits to major Vietnamese enterprises, particularly in the electronics manufacturing sector, to identify new investment opportunities.
Trade Diversification Becomes a Strategic Priority
Analysts believe the recent regional developments have highlighted the importance of diversifying Cambodia’s trade routes and supply chains. As businesses adapt to changing regional conditions, stronger economic cooperation with Vietnam could help support long term growth and improve regional connectivity.
Policy analyst Sam Seun of the Royal Academy of Cambodia noted that both countries should work together to facilitate trade and transportation while strengthening their economic partnership as ASEAN members. He also observed that Vietnamese consumer goods entering Cambodia have increased significantly in recent months, reflecting the close commercial relationship between the neighboring countries.
Growing Investment Partnership
Vietnam continues to play an important role in Cambodia’s economic development. It is currently the fifth largest investor in the Kingdom, with 223 investment projects valued at nearly US$3 billion. Cambodia’s major exports to Vietnam include rice, rubber, cassava, cashews, bananas, mangoes, corn, and tobacco, while imports include construction materials, machinery, fuel, electronics, fertilizers, and agricultural products.
Business leaders say regional trade agreements such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership have helped drive stronger commercial ties. With both governments and the private sector committed to deeper cooperation, Cambodia and Vietnam appear well positioned to expand trade, investment, and economic integration in the years ahead.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Hun Manet’s official visit to Vietnam underscores the growing strength of Cambodia Vietnam relations and the shared commitment to expanding cooperation across diplomacy, trade, investment, and regional development. With high level meetings, business engagements, and participation in the ASEAN Future Forum, the visit demonstrates Cambodia’s determination to build stronger partnerships that support economic growth and regional stability. As both countries approach the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the outcomes of this visit could help shape an even deeper and more dynamic partnership in the years ahead.