The Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia, Ueno Atsushi, has called upon Cambodian exporters to focus on improving product quality and meeting the necessary standards to tap into the Japanese market.
During a round table discussion on Cambodia-Japan relations held at the Sun & Moon Hotel in Phnom Penh, Ambassador Ueno Atsushi emphasised the potential for increased Cambodian exports to Japan, especially in the agricultural sector.
While Cambodia's agricultural exports to Japan are currently limited, the ambassador highlighted the opportunity for expansion. He suggested that the agricultural sector in Cambodia could benefit from separate negotiating assistance through the official Japanese agency for Official Development Assistance (ODA), distinguishing it from private investment projects.
Ambassador Ueno Atsushi also noted that Japanese private companies have already invested in Cambodia, particularly in the export of products such as pepper and cashews to Japan.
He affirmed Japan's ongoing commitment to supporting exports from Cambodia, both through public and private channels. At present, there are no restrictions on the import of Cambodian agricultural products into Japan.
The Ambassador pointed out that the quality of Cambodian agricultural products is comparable to those from other ASEAN countries. However, he highlighted transportation and product branding as key challenges that Cambodia needs to address.
Cambodia and Japan are both members of the Regional Comprehensive Partnership (RCEP) agreement, which came into effect in early 2022. Japan is a significant trade partner for Cambodia, with bilateral trade between the two countries steadily growing.
In 2022, Cambodia exported products worth $1.93 billion to Japan, representing a year-on-year increase of 10.5 percent, as reported by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Imports from Japan to Cambodia amounted to $515 million, reflecting a decrease of 11.2 percent compared to the previous year.
Japan is one of the key trade partners that Cambodia has been considering for negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). The comprehensive strategic partnership established between the two countries is expected to attract more Japanese investments and provide a broader market for Cambodian products.
