Minister Mauro Vieira’s official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia - October 11

Minister Mauro Vieira made an official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia this Wednesday, October 11. It was the first time that a Brazilian foreign minister visited the country.

Minister Vieira was hosted by Prime Minister Hun Manet and held working meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sok Chenda Sophea, and the Minister of Agriculture, Dith Tina.

Minister Mauro Vieira announced the Brazilian government's decision to open an embassy in Phnom Penh in 2024. The opening of the embassy will offer new opportunities for dialogue and cooperation and to deepen dialogue between the governments and the private sectors of the two countries.

Cambodia opened an embassy in Brasília in August 2022. The opening of the embassies is a sign of the countries’ solid interest in expanding business, opening markets and exchanging investments. It also promotes increased  cooperation in agriculture, health, education and tourism, among other areas of common interest.

Brazil and Cambodia are also interested in deepening dialogue on global issues, such as food and nutritional security, tackling the climate crisis and reforming multilateral governance institutions.

Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, a region of growing political and economic importance. The country played a significant role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) decision to accept Brazil as a Sectorial Dialogue Partner. The country has made notable advances over the past decades: it maintained an average economic growth rate of 7.7% from 1998 to 2019.

Bilateral trade has great potential for growth. Although the figures are still modest (nearly $100 million per year), it has been increasing. Minister Mauro Vieira announced that a Brazilian trade and business mission, led by Itamaraty and APEX-Brasil, will be sent to Cambodia in the first half of 2024.