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Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee leads a delegation to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new business opportunities in ASEAN.

On the second leg of a three-country ASEAN tour aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee will lead a delegation to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

While in the Cambodian capital, the delegation will engage with prominent business figures and major corporations to identify new business opportunities, capitalizing on Hong Kong’s strategic position as a bridge between China and the global market.

Additionally, a luncheon is scheduled with key members of Cambodia’s business community and local chambers of commerce to foster networking and collaboration.

Dr Peter K N Lam, HKTDC Chairman, said: “Our aim with this visit is to strengthen the bond between Cambodia and Hong Kong and, in doing so, expand the economic ties between Hong Kong and the ASEAN region. As this year marks the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges, this mission carries extra significance. Since its establishment in 1966, the HKTDC has prioritised building connections between Hong Kong and the world through business and trade. That includes Cambodia, where we seek to strengthen trade and investment relationships with the goal of fostering mutual prosperity and economic development.”

Hong Kong, recognized as a global finance, investment, and cultural exchange hub connecting Mainland China to the international community, aims to deepen the already strong relationship between the mainland and Cambodia. The goal is to create opportunities for Cambodian businesses to access the mainland market.

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the delegation comprises around 30 leaders from top international, Mainland China, and Hong Kong enterprises. These leaders represent sectors such as finance and insurance, innovation and technology, professional services, infrastructure, energy, and hospitality.

During the visit to Phnom Penh, the delegation aims to strengthen partnerships with Cambodia to support the growth of the private sector and the digital economy, promoting resilient and sustainable development. Hong Kong seeks to collaborate in these areas to drive growth and create opportunities for both inbound and outbound Cambodian investments.

The delegation is also exploring opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Last year, Cambodia ranked as Hong Kong’s seventh largest import and export market within ASEAN, with trade valued at US$893.4 million. ASEAN remains Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner in merchandise trade, with a total trade volume of US$145 billion in 2023.

The visit to Cambodia is part of a broader mission to ASEAN, including stops in Laos and Vietnam, to enhance trade, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange between ASEAN and Hong Kong. This three-country tour builds on the success of previous missions to Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia last year, and Thailand in 2022.