Phnom Penh:Cambodia and New Zealand have engaged in discussions to further expand bilateral trade and cooperation through free trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA).

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the discussions occurred on Monday during a meeting between Cambodia's Minister of Commerce, H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, and New Zealand's newly appointed Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Mrs. Raylene Siale Tagaloa Liufalani, at the Ministry of Commerce in Phnom Penh.

H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul congratulated Ambassador Liufalani on her new role and expressed gratitude for New Zealand's support in human resource development through scholarship programs. She also emphasized New Zealand's technical assistance in enhancing the implementation of free trade agreements, including RCEP and AANZFTA.

Both parties acknowledged the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and New Zealand, particularly in trade, and noted the growth in bilateral trade. They explored ways to further promote trade and deepen cooperation through the effective implementation of the free trade agreements.

The New Zealand delegation also expressed support for Cambodia's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).