Canada–Cambodia CEO Roundtable Highlights New Pathways for Bilateral Business Cooperation

The Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) and Manulife Cambodia successfully co-hosted the Canada–Cambodia CEO Roundtable on May 29, 2025, in Phnom Penh. This high-level, closed-door session was held with the support of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CanCham) in Cambodia, and brought together over 15 senior leaders from the governments and private sectors of both Canada and Cambodia, to explore opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Held on the sidelines of the Team Canada Trade Mission to Cambodia, the CEO roundtable was designed to foster candid dialogue on practical strategies for deepening Canada–Cambodia engagement across various sectors, including financial services, agriculture, green energy, technology, and infrastructure.

Participating companies included ABA Bank, WorldBridge, OCIC, Chip Mong Group, and Mekong Strategic Capital. 

The roundtable featured keynote remarks by H.E. Dr Sok Siphana, Senior Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia, who emphasised Cambodia’s commitment to sustainable economic development, and welcomed deeper collaboration with Canadian partners.

Participants also heard from Stephen Higgins, Managing Partner at Mekong Strategic Capital, who delivered an insightful briefing on Cambodia’s macroeconomic outlook, and Long Kemvichet, Director General for International Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, who provided an update on ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.

Wayne Farmer, President of the Canada-ASEAN Business Council, remarked, “This roundtable reflects our shared vision to expand Canada–Cambodia economic ties through dialogue and concrete business collaborations. We are proud to support CABC members and Canadian companies in navigating emerging opportunities in Cambodia and in the wider, dynamic ASEAN region.”

Rotha Chan, CEO and General Manager of Manulife Cambodia, added that the company’s collaboration with Canadian businesses not only brings investment into Cambodia but also fosters innovation and sustainable growth.

“Engaging with fellow CEOs during this roundtable was invaluable for Manulife, as it provided us with fresh perspectives and strategic insights that will enhance our ability to serve our clients and contribute to the economic development of both nations,” he said.

The discussion concluded with a strong emphasis on the importance of continued public-private collaboration, especially in areas aligned with Cambodia’s development goals and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Speaking with the press after the conclusion of the roundtable, Dr Sok Siphana said that the relationship between Cambodia and Canada is solid, with the latter considered a loyal partner of the Cambodian market.

“I believe the most logical thing is to tap into Canadian expertise to match it with businesses in Cambodia that need this sort of expertise,” said the Senior Minister. “Canada is very strong in clean energy and renewable energy. They have a lot of experience in food processing, for example. Cambodia now offers an opportunity in this area, as we lack high expertise in processed food, while Canada has all this technology. So, I think it’s a good match.”

He added:

I would say, for Cambodia, we are really seeking new market access. We’re looking for new sources of growth, and we believe that Canada is a very stable partner.

Wayne Farmer also spoke of how the CABC has been working in Cambodia and across ASEAN to promote trade and commerce with Canada as the Canada-ASEAN FTA continues to be negotiated. 

“[Regarding the FTA], we still have a little way to go, but we’re relying on our partners, including Cambodia, to help reach a timely agreement, which will be a catalyst for greater business, trade, and commerce,” he told B2B Cambodia.

Farmer added that many Cambodian professionals have personal ties with Canada, whether through their relatives, or because they received their education there. He noted that this is a great foundation on which to build greater commerce and business.

He further noted that Canadian businesses are not strangers to Cambodia. For instance, ABA Bank, a subsidiary of the National Bank of Canada, has been in the country for a long time, and Manulife has been present in the Kingdom since 2012.

“There are building blocks to continue strengthening business relationships. We hope to continue these discussions here, bringing Canadian companies to Cambodia, and hopefully bringing Cambodian companies to Canada in the future,” said Farmer.

Speaking of Manulife’s growing presence in Cambodia, Rotha Chan shared that the company has thus far offered protection to more than 100,000 Cambodians, providing almost USD 20 million in claims and nearly USD 6 million in corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions.

He said he views Manulife Cambodia as a testament to the level of success an international company can achieve in the Kingdom, able to grow and thrive in the local market.

“We will be ready to support our business friends and partners from Canada to invest more in Cambodia. The country is already prepared, with its young economy, very young population, and strong technical skills,” Rotha concluded.

This article was adapted from a supplied press release.