Haroon Akhtar, Cambodian Commerce Minister Discuss New Economic Avenues
Pakistan Eyes Textile & SME Collaboration with Cambodia
B2B Delegations, Investment Expansion on Agenda in Pakistan–Cambodia Talks
Islamabad – 11 February 2026 (MT Team) : Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM), Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan, held a meeting with H.E. Ms. Cham Nimul, Minister for Commerce of Cambodia, to discuss avenues of economic and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on strengthening economic and industrial partnerships, enhancing future bilateral relations, and promoting investment opportunities.
Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan appreciated Cambodia’s impressive economic progress in recent years and stated that Pakistan could learn from Cambodia’s development experience. He emphasized that under the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, comprehensive measures are being undertaken to boost Pakistan’s economy. He further highlighted that the National Industrial Policy and National Tariff Policy have been prepared under the leadership of the Prime Minister to accelerate economic growth and promote industrial development.
The Cambodian Minister for Commerce praised Pakistan’s natural beauty, abundant resources, and strong defense capabilities. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the industrial sector, particularly in the textile industry, where value addition can bring mutual benefits to both countries.
The Cambodian Minister noted that 166 Pakistani-origin companies are currently operating in Cambodia and expressed interest in establishing a Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cambodia to facilitate their activities. She also proposed the exchange of business-to-business (B2B) delegations to strengthen trade and commercial ties.
Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan underscored the potential for collaboration in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA). He stated that under the Prime Minister’s vision, SMEDA has demonstrated remarkable performance and can serve as a bridge for expanding cooperation with Cambodia.
Highlighting the immense potential of Pakistani SMEs, Mr. Khan said that “Made in Pakistan” products such as olive oil, honey, and leather goods are of top-notch quality and need greater access to international markets. He also emphasized the significant contribution of Pakistani women entrepreneurs working from home in the SME sector and stressed the importance of providing them with export opportunities.
At the conclusion of the meeting, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan presented commemorative gifts to the Cambodian Minister for Commerce as a gesture of goodwill and friendship between the two nations.
