A delegation of U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) led by its newly appointed President and CEO H.E. Ted Osius paid a courtesy call on H.E Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, via videoconference yesterday.
The meeting focused on priority tasks and initiatives taken by ASEAN, especially when Cambodia will hold the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2022. It also touched on the promotion of bilateral and regional trade and economic cooperation and the participation of private sector in the rehabilitation of global supply chain and production, digital commerce, health system, restoration of travel confidence and promotion of digital economy and so on.
According to the minister, as the Chair of ASEAN in 2022, Cambodia will try its best to solve common regional challenges based on openness, honesty, willingness, solidarity and harmony in ASEAN. Cambodia will particularly focus on social economic recovery efforts during and post-COVID-19 crisis, and is committed to make ASEAN an important region for trade, investment and global supply chain by maximising benefits from the existing free trade agreements and recently-signed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement.
H.E. Pan Sorasak welcomed the creation of Ford Motor Cambodia’s assembly plant in Pursat province which will provide Cambodian people with job opportunities and technical transfer, and FedEx Corporation’s intention to expand its direct air transport services to Cambodia.
For his part, H.E. Ted Osius thanked the ministry for its coordination and support for the American investors and companies in Cambodia so far. They pledged to further boost investment and business cooperation and voiced support for Cambodia when it takes over the ASEAN chairmanship next year.
H.E. Ted Osius also appreciated Cambodia’s measures against the COVID-19 spread as well as its efforts in reopening the country.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press