Author: AEEBF

Embassies, Chambers of Commerce and Partners of Asia and Europe welcomed cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce in hosting the AEEBF1

In preparation for the 1st Asia-Europe Economic and Business Forum (AEEBF1), the Ministry of Commerce, which is entrusted by the Government of the Kingdom of the Cambodia to host this important task, had cordially extended invitations to various embassies and chambers of commerce of Asian and European countries based in Cambodia to hold discussion meeting with the aim to explore the possibilities of joint cooperation for the AEEBF1.

Since its early stage of preparation, the Ministry of Commerce has held various meetings and worked tirelessly with embassies, chambers of commerce and partners of Asia and Europe to give brief and initial introductions of the AEEBF1 as well as to earn inputs and suggestions from all partners so that the AEEBF1 can be organized in the best possible arrangement. The meetings with our partners include:

  • Working meeting with the representative of the Asia-Europe Foundation on 14 December 2020

  • Working meeting with the representative of the Embassy of Russian Federation on 15 January 2021

  • Working meeting with the representative of the Embassy of United of Kingdom on 18 January 2021

  • “Working Meeting with the representative of the EuroCham Cambodia on 19 January 2021”

  • Working meeting with the representative of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce on 04 February 2021

  • Working meeting with the representative of the BritCham Cambodia on 05 February 2021

  • Working meeting with the representative of the International Chamber of Commerce of Cambodia on 05 February 2021

  • Working meeting with the representative of the Embassy of the Republic of France on 03 March 2021

  • Working meeting with the representative of the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam on 27 January 2021


– Working meeting with the representative of the Asia-Europe Foundation and BRUEGEL on 29 June 2021


– Working meeting with the representative of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China on 30 June 2021


– Working meeting with the representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia on 19 August 2021.

The AEEBF1 is one of the major side events of the 13th Asia-Europe Summit (ASEM13) to be hosted virtually in the Kingdom of Cambodia in 2021 under the theme of “Transitioning to a New Normal: Leveraging Global Value Chains, Multilateralism and the 4IR”.

1st Asia-Europe Economic and Business Forum: Cambodia’s Window to the World

Hosting the 1st Asia-Europe Economic and Business Forum will not only prove Cambodia’s capacity to organise such international gathering, but could also impress the world about the country.
H.E. Samheng Bora, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce and Chairperson of the Secretariat of the Asia-Europe Economic and Business Forum working group, highlighted the insights in a recent interview with AKP. It will show the world that Cambodia is a capable and important player for global development, he said.
He continued that it will also confirm that Cambodia is a safe country wherein the COVID-19 is well contained and it will attract more international tourists to the country.
The 1st Asia-Europe Economic and Business Forum is a side event of the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit that Cambodia will host in late November this year.
The Economic and Business Forum will discuss trade to boost global economy for the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis as well as green trade in the context of Industrial Revolution 4.0.


Other side events of the 13th ASEM Summit include Asia-Europe Forum on Women, Peace and Security, the 11th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP11), ASEM Cultural Festival, ASEF Young Leaders Summit, and the 10th ASEF Editors’ Roundtable (ASEFERT10).

Article by : AKP

AEEBF1 Secretariat Provides Update on Progress with IBC

On the afternoon of 23 August 2021, His Excellency SAMHENG Bora, Under-Secretary of State of the Ministry of Commerce and Head of the Secretariat Team of the AEEBF1, chaired a joint virtual meeting the International Business Chamber of Cambodia (IBC), during which the AEEBF1 Secretariat provided the latest updates of the forum to the latter.

Given the AEEBF is closely approaching, the AEEBF1 Secretariat is seeking for close cooperation with all of its partners including the IBC. The IBC took well note of the progressive developement of the AEEBF1 and informed His Excellency and the team that IBC looks forward to providing necessary assistances, whereby needed, in contributing to the success of this important forum.

The AEEBF1 is expected to be held virtually on 24 November 2021 as one of the major side events of the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM13).

AEEBF1 Secretariat Seeked Cooperation with Partners in Enquiring Availabilities of Esteemed Speakers

On the afternoon of 17 August 2021, His Excellency SAMHENG Bora, Under-Secretary of State of the Ministry of Commerce and Head of the Secretariat Team of the AEEBF1, chaired a joint virtual meeting with all partners, including foreign embassies, chambers of commerce and partners with the aims of keeping everyone posted with regards to the organization of the AEEBF1 as well as discussing cooperation way forward.

Given the AEEBF is closely approaching, the AEEBF1 Secretariat, upon having almost finalized the tentative programmes, started to approach and seek cooperative assistances from all of its partners in reaching out to the esteemed speakers, enquiring availabilities as well as interests in attending the forum.

The request of the AEEBF1 Secretariat was met with kind and prompt responses from all respected partners. They informed His Excellency that they have conveyed the messages to the proposed speakers accordingly and looked forward to bring about good news as soon as possible.

After going through some challenging times during the pandemic, the AEEBF1 is expected to be held virtually on 24 November 2021 as one of the major side events of the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM13).

AEEBF1 Seeked for Media Cooperation with the ASEM13’s Media Sub-Committee

On 06 August 2021 in a virtual session, His Excellency SAMHENG Bora, Under-Seceretary of State of the Ministry of Commerce, led the Secretariat Team of the AEEBF1 to discuss on media cooperation with the ASEM13’s Sub-Committee in charge of Media, which is headed by His Excellency HOUT Kheang Veng, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Information and Head of the Media Sub-Committee of the ASEM13.

Both side had a very engaging discussion and agreed to further work closely together with respects to the media arrangement for the AEEBF1.

AEEBF1 Discusses Prospect of Holding Side Events with with EuroCham

On the afternoon of 28 July 2021, His Excellency SAMHENG Bora, Head of the Secretariat Team of the AEEBF1, hosted a virtual working discussion with Mr. Tassilo BRINZER, Chairman of the Board of the EuroCham, during which the prospect of organzing side events with the AEEBF1 were being explored by the two sides.

His Excellency SAMHENG Bora noted with thanks and satisfaction the proposal made by the EuroCham. Both side agreed to further discuss on these possibilities in having side events of some sorts in parralel with the AEEBF1.

Her Excellency Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Chaired a Progress Meeting of the AEEBF1

On the morning of 13 May 2021, Her Excellency TEKRETH Kamrang, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Commerce and the Deputy Head of the Organizing Commission of the AEEBF1, chaired a virtual meeting session to follow up the progresses on the preparation of relevant documents needed for the AEEBF1.

The meeting discussed upon the revisions made in the Concept Note, taking into consideration many aspects of changes and challenges faced during the unprecedented pandemic time as well as the great leap of technology the world is simultaneously experiencing of the 21st Century. The meeting also looked into programmes and composition of speakers of the AEEBF1.

ASEM13 and Side Events Eyed Progresses Despite the Pandemic

On the morning of 29 January 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation called for a progress meeting on the organization of the 13th Asia-Europe Summit (ASEM13) including the arrangement of its side events. The meeing was co-headed by His Excellency LUY David, Secretary of State of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Her Excellency EAT Sorphea, Secretary of State of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The representative of the Ministry of Commerce, which is the host of the 1st Asia-Europe Economic and Business Forum (AEEBF1), was led by Her Excellency TEKRETH Kamrang, Secretary of State. Upon the discussion on the side events of ASEM13, all parties discussed on progresses and challenges as well as necessary actions to be taken further, despite uncertainties caused by the pandemic.

Minister PAN Sorasak Presided Over the Progress Meeting of the AEEBF1

On the morning of 12 January 2021, His Excellency PAN Sorasak, Minister of Commerce and the Head of the Organizing Commission of the AEEBF1, honorably presided over the progress meeting on the preparation of the AEEBF1 at the Ministry of Commerce.

His Excellency provided instructions to his colleagues on substantial contents made in necessary documents as well as on other media, logistical and financial arrangement of the the AEEBF1.

With high commends extended to all colleagues, His Excellency Minister emphasized the importance of the Asia-Europe Economic and Business Forum as one of the seven side events of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). He further stressed that the AEEBF1 will be an important forum for cooperation between regions which provides also many benefits to Cambodia, such as good opportunities to enhance the image on the international stage as well as opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and other members through high-level meetings of the ASEM process and to promote cooperation in specific areas for Cambodia’s economic development, including trade, investment, tourism and culture.

In addition, the meeting also contributes to the development of Cambodia’s human resources in both the public and private sectors and to promote people-to-people exchanges in a context where Asia-Europe is increasingly interconnected.

His Excellency further notified that the Asia-Europe Summit is a forum for dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe, focusing on strengthening partnerships, promoting peace and security, and promoting sustainable socio-economic development.