Türkiye wants to strengthen ties with Cambodia: Turkish ambassador

ANKARA

Türkiye wants to boost ties with Cambodia, which is becoming an attractive destination for trade and investment, the Turkish ambassador to Cambodia said.

In recent years, with increasing its diplomatic presence in Cambodia and exploring opportunities for trade and investment, Türkiye aims to further develop and make the best use of the trade and investment opportunities between Ankara and Phnom Penh, Ulku Kocaefe told Anadolu.

Zore Aksahin Simsek just started her duty as the first Commercial Counsellor of the Turkish Embassy in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh, Kocaefe said, adding the embassy started operating in Cambodia in 2013.

Cambodia has one of “the fastest growing” economies in Southeast Asia, he said, adding “Türkiye needs to strengthen its commercial activities throughout the region. For a long time, Türkiye focused on big countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.” Kocaefe noted: “Cambodia offers significant potential for trade and investment.”

The trade volume between the two countries increased by 67% in 2022, exceeding $154 million for the first time in its history, he said.

Cambodia’s young, and growing population and low wages offer a great opportunity for Turkish investors and traders, the envoy said, adding: “We plan to increase our trade and investment by utilizing all these opportunities.”

• Cambodia
• Turkiye