Indonesia pushing for trade links with Cambodia’s northeast

PHNOM PENH – Indonesian ambassador to Cambodia Santo Darmosumarto has spotlighted growing demand for Indonesian products in Cambodia’s northeastern provinces, urging local businesses to seize new trade opportunities with the region’s largest economy.

Speaking during an official visit to Stung Treng province on September 29, he explained that the trip aimed to strengthen bilateral economic ties beyond the capital.

“Seeing is believing; by visiting various parts of Cambodia, we learn more about the potential for partnerships, including in efforts to boost bilateral trade,” he said.

The noted that Indonesian-made goods, particularly dairy and food products, are gaining popularity among Cambodian consumers, even in provinces where there is no Indonesian diaspora presence.

“The growing demand shows that locals recognise the quality of Indonesian imports,” he said.

To capitalise on this momentum, Santo has invited Cambodian entrepreneurs to participate in the Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI), the country’s largest international showcase for products and services, taking place from October 15–19 in BSD City.

“As the biggest international exhibition for Indonesian products and services, TEI will provide an avenue for Cambodian businesses to understand more about Indonesia’s economic potential,” he said, adding that more than 60 Cambodian businesspeople have already registered.

Stung Treng vice-governor Sen Vansim welcomed the initiative and encouraged Indonesian investors to consider local agriculture, especially cashew nuts, rice and cassava processing.

“We see great potential to deepen economic and people-to-people ties,” he said.

During the trip, the ambassador also met with chamber of commerce representatives from Kratie, Stung Treng and Ratanakiri, who arranged field visits to local agriculture and tourism sites.

The push for greater Cambodian participation in Indonesian trade platforms reflects a growing interest in expanding economic ties beyond Phnom Penh and strengthening commercial links across ASEAN’s emerging border regions.