Cambodian Minister of Commerce H.E. Pan Sorasak held talks here on Monday newly appointed Australian Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Ms. Angela Corcoran.
According to the ministry’s news release, H.E. Pan Sorasak and H.E. Ms. Angela Corcoran discussed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), bilateral trade relations between Cambodia and Australia, and the Australian scholarship programme.
H.E. Ms. Angela Corcoran recalled both countries’ past and current cooperation, saying that 1,160 Cambodian students are currently studying in Australia. At the same time, 370 Australian students have undertaken some forms of training here as well as part of the New Colombo plan, she added.
H.E. Pan Sorasak underlined many challenges faced by Cambodia as the country is moving from a low income to a lower-middle-income country. First, he explained, is the electricity cost which needs to be lowered to be competitive in the region. Second is the promotion of light manufacturing industry as Cambodia is centrally located, it can serve as the manufacturing base or assembly plant in the region. Third is the technical and vocational training which is very important if Cambodia wants to move away from non-skilled labor force to a skilled labor force. Last but not least is the enhancement of agricultural sector i.e. creating added value for agricultural products through improvement of every steps in the value chain rather than exporting raw products.
Besides, the meeting touched upon the import and welfare of live cattle from Australia and possibility of Australia bringing innovations and assisting in startups to young Cambodians in the field of e-commerce.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Press
