Cambodia favours Vietnamese goods

A recent survey by Cambodia’s largest daily newspaper, Rasmei Kampuchea, shows that Vietnamese goods are especially favoured in the Cambodian market.

The survey was conducted among senior officials of the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce and the country’s consumers during a Vietnamese products fair in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh.

According to the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce, Vietnam took the lead with US$988 million worth of products consumed in Cambodia in 2008, surpassing China ($784 million) and Thailand ($674 million).

Vietnam exports a wide range of commodities to Cambodia, such as medicine, cosmetics, textiles and garments, electronics, mechanical products, processed food, fruit and vegetables.

This is the second year that Vietnam has topped the list of countries producing goods consumed in Cambodia.

Cambodian economic experts predict that with its geographical advantage, Vietnam will be able to maintain its leading position if it continues to diversify its products and improve its designs.