Highlights from the May 2025 India and Cambodia Bilateral Trade and Cooperation Meetings in New Delhi, where CPCC India advanced cooperation in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
On May 2, 2025, the Cambodian Private Commercial Centre (CPCC), operated by AZ Group under the leadership of Oknha Lim Bunsor and Mr. Jas Sohl (Ambassador for the Global Indian Network, a platform committed to bridging global Indian communities through economic and cultural collaboration), organised two high-level and landmark meetings in New Delhi to deepen Cambodia-India ties, as part of a broader Global Indian Network initiative aimed at strengthening international partnerships through trade, culture, and dialogue. These impactful discussions focused on various collaborative areas, including investment opportunities, spiritual tourism, trade in agricultural goods and textiles, water infrastructure, and cultural diplomacy.
Held with the guidance and blessings of H.E. Dr. Sok Siphana, H.E. Cham Nimol, and H.E. Pan Sorasak Bora, the meetings highlighted the deepening synergy between the two nations. Built upon a foundation of shared spiritual values and cultural ties, the sessions reinforced a mutual commitment to expanding economic partnerships and cultural exchange.
CPCC India and Cambodian Delegation Meeting in New Delhi
The CPCC and the Cambodian Delegation Meeting took place at 1:30 PM at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi, bringing together a distinguished Indian and Cambodian delegation.
The Indian delegation representing CPCC India included Adarniya Amit Rastogi Ji, Adarniya Shri Ram Ji, Adarniya Rajiv Kapahi Ji (attending on behalf of Mr. Jas Sohl from Ion Exchange, a leader in water and wastewater technology and an advisor on PSUs to the Global Indian Network), and Adarniyaa Riya Ji. Their presence reflected India's growing interest in cross-sector collaboration with Cambodia.
The session also welcomed several notable participants from diverse sectors: Adarniya Ravi Manikoth from Aban Offshore Group (whose work spans mining, oil and gas, agriculture, renewable energy, and defence), Adarniya Ajit Kumar, Adarniya Siddharth Shrivastava from the defence sector, and Adarniya Saurabh Taneja of Tabsons, specialising in media monitoring and electronics.
Representing Cambodia, the delegation featured high-ranking officials, including H.E. Kao Kosal (Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce), H.E. Tith Seychanly (Director General of the General Directorate of Trade Promotion), Mr. Ouch Savin (Director of the Market Development Department) and Ms. U K Chanbolinda (from AZ Group).
This meeting focused on key areas such as trade and investment, spiritual tourism, agriculture and textiles, water infrastructure, and cultural diplomacy to strengthen bilateral ties through shared economic and cultural interests.
Areas of Discussion for Collaboration between India and Cambodia
Spiritual Tourism Development between India and Cambodia
Both delegations acknowledged the vast potential of spiritual tourism, particularly in positioning Angkor Wat as a significant destination for Indian pilgrims. The Cambodian side underscored plans to enhance infrastructure, craft compelling storytelling around Hindu-Buddhist heritage, and offer high-quality travel experiences. Adding to this momentum, Adarniya Rajiv Kapahi Ji highlighted the upcoming direct flight between Kolkata and Cambodia by IndiGo, which is expected to boost accessibility and encourage spiritual tourism between the two nations.
Agricultural Trade: Cashew and Raw Material Opportunities
Cambodia's expanding cashew sector and India's large-scale processing capabilities emerged as promising areas for trade synergy. Discussions emphasised the potential for sustainable raw material exchange and explored opportunities to increase agricultural commodity imports from Cambodia to align with India's growing market needs.
Infrastructure and Railway Collaboration
Drawing on India's strong capabilities in railway infrastructure and engineering, the discussions examined potential avenues for India to assist Cambodia in modernising its domestic rail network. The aim is to enhance regional connectivity and spur economic growth through technology sharing and project partnerships.
Textile and Garment Industry Synergy
India's thriving textile industry offers significant opportunities for collaboration with Cambodia's garment sector, which accounts for about 30% of the nation's exports. Notable Indian companies, such as Narmadeshwari, were recognised as crucial fabric suppliers poised to enhance Cambodia's manufacturing capabilities.
Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Projects
A key highlight of the discussions was the partnership between CPCC, AZ Group, and Ion Exchange to bring decentralised and centralised water treatment solutions to Cambodia. The proposed model incorporates various frameworks, including EPC, BOO, BOT, and PPP, and technical knowledge transfer along with international funding mechanisms to facilitate large-scale implementation across municipal and industrial sectors.
CPCC India Meeting with H.E. Ambassador Rath Many
On May 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM, CPCC India held a meeting with H.E. Ambassador Rath Many at the Embassy of Cambodia in New Delhi. The Indian delegation representing CPCC India included Adarniya Amit Rastogi Ji, Adarniya Shri Ram Ji, Adarniya Rajiv Kapahi Ji (advisor on PSUs to the Global Indian Network), and Adarniyaa Riya Ji.
The Cambodian delegation was represented by H.E. Kao Kosal, H.E. Tith Seychanly, Mr. Ouch Savin, and Ms. U K Chanbolinda. The delegation was warmly welcomed by H.E. Rath Many, Ambassador of Cambodia to India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Iran, and Bangladesh. Her Excellency provided valuable strategic insights on advancing bilateral initiatives, emphasising the importance of economic diplomacy, cultural engagement, and spiritual understanding in deepening the partnership between the two nations.
Areas of Discussion for Expanding Bilateral Ties through Culture, Tourism, and Education
Spiritual Diplomacy and Angkor Wat Promotion
Her Excellency highlighted Angkor Wat's unique significance as a spiritual and cultural landmark for Hindus and Buddhists, reaffirming Cambodia's dedication to enhancing its appeal to Indian visitors. The discussions underscored the importance of narrative-driven tourism, improved infrastructure, and elevated service quality as key enablers for sustainable tourism growth.
Tourism Infrastructure Enhancement
The Cambodian delegation emphasised the importance of investing in infrastructure around key tourist destinations, including roads, sanitation, accommodations, and water treatment systems. Enhancing these areas is essential for delivering an exemplary visitor experience and attracting high-value tourists from India.
Direct Air Connectivity and Trade Facilitation
The recent approval of a direct flight between Kolkata and Cambodia was a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity. Delegates also explored the possibility of expanding air routes to stimulate tourism further, streamline trade logistics, and facilitate smoother investment flows between the two nations.
Bilateral Events and Economic Forums
Her Excellency suggested organising joint initiatives between the Cambodian Embassy and CPCC India, such as trade exhibitions, business networking forums, and cultural showcases, to highlight Cambodian industries and attract investment from Indian stakeholders.
Sectoral Opportunities for Holistic Development
The discussions identified several promising sectors poised to drive holistic development between India and Cambodia. Education emerged as a cornerstone, with knowledge exchange viewed as a sacred responsibility. Both sides emphasised the importance of ethical practices and sustainable resource development in the mining sector. The railway sector was highlighted as vital for enhancing Cambodia's internal connectivity and cross-border transport infrastructure. Agriculture also remained a key focus, with efforts to boost trade in raw materials and food.
Forging India and Cambodia Partnerships: A Global Indian Network Initiative
As a leading content and insight platform, Global Indian Network follows, delivering effective content relevant to the requirements of corporate decision-makers, policymakers, and investors.
These collaborative opportunities reflect the Global Indian Network's ongoing commitment to championing inclusive development through intercultural exchange and sustainable partnerships.
At the heart of the Cambodia–India bilateral dialogue is a growing movement towards deeper cultural understanding and sustainable economic collaboration, an effort proudly supported by the Global Indian Network. As a leading platform connecting changemakers, industry leaders, and policymakers, the Global Indian Network is dedicated to facilitating meaningful partnerships that go beyond trade to encompass heritage, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Our involvement in initiatives like the CPCC India-led meetings underscores our commitment to amplifying voices and fostering engagement across borders. By spotlighting opportunities in key sectors, we aim to build bridges that reflect our shared values and aspirations.
"The Global Indian Network is playing a transformative role in Cambodia's development journey by bridging dialogue with action whilst also accompanying vision with opportunity," remarked Mr. Jas Sohl, Ambassador for the Global Indian Network. "It's not just about fostering conversations; it's about turning those conversations into meaningful business collaborations. What we're seeing here is a living example of that mission in motion."
“As the Global Indian Network expands its pivotal presence across Cambodia, India, and the global community, it’s essential that we keep these conversations alive because it’s through sustained dialogue that meaningful business growth truly takes shape,” added Rajiv Kapahi, Advisor on PSUs to the Global Indian Network and a delegate at the two high-level meetings.
These recent collaborations are a testament to the Global Indian Network's mission: to catalyse sustainable progress through informed dialogue, cultural exchange, and strategic insight. We believe that partnerships like these are vital to shaping a resilient and interconnected future for both nations.
“Our upcoming destination page for Cambodia will serve as a vital bridge, connecting India and the global Indian community to the tangible outcomes of Global Indian Network initiatives. What matters most is clear communication that drives real results,” emphasised Rajan Nazran, Chief Explorer at the Global Indian Network.
Stay tuned! We are soon launching a dedicated Destination Page for Cambodia, where you'll find exclusive articles, expert interviews, and podcasts exploring its business potential, cultural richness, tourism prospects, and topical discussions shaping the region.
