Vietnam and Cambodia are stepping up efforts to strengthen border trade and improve regional supply chain connectivity as both countries work toward an ambitious goal of reaching $20 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The latest push comes ahead of a major trade promotion conference scheduled for May 15 in Dong Thap province, located in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region. The event reflects growing economic cooperation between the neighboring nations as they respond to shifting global supply chains and expanding regional integration in Southeast Asia.
According to the conference organizers, the event will bring together policymakers, trade officials, and business leaders from both countries to explore new opportunities for investment, logistics, and cross border commerce. Co organized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Dong Thap provincial People’s Committee, the conference aims to create practical solutions that can improve trade efficiency and support sustainable economic growth between Vietnam and Cambodia. More details were reported by Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
Focus on Supply Chain Connectivity
One of the main priorities of the conference is strengthening supply chain integration between Vietnam’s southern provinces and the Cambodian market. As global manufacturing and trade routes continue to evolve, both countries see closer cooperation as a way to reduce logistics costs, improve production networks, and increase competitiveness across the region.
The conference will feature two major thematic discussions focusing on trade and investment facilitation, border gate infrastructure, logistics development, digital payments, and e commerce expansion. Officials and business representatives are also expected to discuss ways to improve production cooperation in industries where both countries already have strong advantages.
Organizers believe the event can help businesses better understand market opportunities while also building stronger trade relationships between companies on both sides of the border.
Business Partnerships Take Center Stage
A key highlight of the conference will be the signing of memoranda of understanding between Vietnamese and Cambodian companies. These agreements are expected to turn trade discussions into concrete business partnerships and open new doors for future investment cooperation.
Business to business networking sessions will also allow companies from sectors such as agro aquaculture forestry, food processing, textiles, footwear, and heavy industry to connect directly with potential partners. The sessions are designed to encourage long term cooperation and help enterprises expand their reach into new markets across Southeast Asia.
In addition, the event will showcase a wide range of products from Vietnam’s southern provinces alongside Cambodian goods. Exhibitions will include processed agricultural products, handicrafts, and industrial items, giving businesses an opportunity to promote their brands and production standards to a wider audience.
Trade Between Vietnam and Cambodia Continues to Grow
Trade relations between Vietnam and Cambodia have grown significantly over the past several years and are now considered one of the key pillars of economic cooperation in the Mekong sub region. The two countries share a 1,137 kilometer border supported by an increasingly modern network of border gates that facilitate trade, transport, and investment activities.
Bilateral trade reached $10.1 billion in 2024 and exceeded $11 billion in 2025, reflecting steady momentum in economic cooperation. Both governments are now targeting $20 billion in two way trade by 2030 through stronger logistics systems, official trade channels, and deeper supply chain integration.
Vietnam currently exports a wide range of products to Cambodia, including textiles and garments, petroleum products, machinery, steel, chemicals, and processed foods. In return, Cambodia supplies Vietnam with agricultural products such as rubber, cashew nuts, and industrial production materials.
Regional Integration Creates New Opportunities
As regional economies become more interconnected, both Vietnam and Cambodia are positioning themselves to benefit from shifting global supply chains. Improved connectivity between the two countries could create faster trade flows, lower transportation costs, and stronger industrial cooperation throughout the Mekong region.
The hybrid format of the conference, which includes both in person and online participation, is also expected to attract wider engagement from businesses and trade agencies. Organizers hope the event will serve as an important platform for dialogue between governments and the private sector while supporting long term economic cooperation between the two neighboring nations.
Conclusion
The upcoming Vietnam Cambodia trade conference highlights the growing importance of regional cooperation at a time when global supply chains are rapidly changing. By focusing on logistics, border trade, investment, and digital commerce, both countries are laying the groundwork for stronger economic ties and more sustainable growth in the years ahead. If successful, these efforts could help Vietnam and Cambodia reach their ambitious bilateral trade target while strengthening their role in Southeast Asia’s evolving economic landscape.