KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Cambodia have agreed to review and accelerate bilateral cooperation in important sectors through the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
During a joint press conference with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Putrajaya near here today, Anwar said the foreign ministers of both countries had been entrusted to set a date for the JCBC meeting earlier than expected.
Following that, Anwar said, both countries through the JCBC would discuss issues and explore greater cooperation in several areas including food security, investments, halal industry, renewable energy, electric vehicles and artificial intelligence.
"Our Malaysian and Cambodian Customs Departments will facilitate the movement of goods. We have also begun discussions on an MoU between the Customs Departments.
"We have huge potential in terms of boosting trade volumes as well as (production of) palm oil and white rice," he said.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, added that trade ministries in both countries would use the joint technical committee platform to address the issues and challenges as well as finding solutions to boost trade, investment and the tourism sectors in Malaysia and Cambodia.
"We should expect more investment into Cambodia and from Cambodia into Malaysia," Anwar said.
The value of investment from Malaysian companies in Cambodia, said Anwar, had exceeded U$D3 billion.
"And of course, there are huge opportunities (to increase investment and trade cooperation between Malaysia and Cambodia).
"And the (Cambodian) Prime Minister (Hun Manet) has assured that he will give all the attention and support possible," he said.
Hun Manet, in return, expressed his appreciation for the support and engagement from Malaysia to Cambodia in diverse sectors.
The Cambodian prime minister, who is on a one-day visit to Malaysia, praised the "good care and facilitation" provided by the country for Cambodian workers residing in Malaysia.
"This year marks the 67th anniversary of the relationship between our two countries.
"And throughout these years, our bonds have grown to a new height in terms of economic, high level inter-actions, people to people exchange and strengthening defence ties," he said.