Our relationship with Cambodia
New Zealand has long-standing relations with Cambodia, with a small but steady trade relationship and connections though our work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and through the East Asia Summit. Cambodia is a popular tourist destination for New Zealanders.
Cambodia continues its steady economic and social development following the devastating period under the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s and the civil war through the 1990s. While Cambodia has enjoyed relative stability in recent years and has achieved good economic growth, the country remains one of Asia’s least developed countries.
From 1991 to 2005 New Zealand provided our then-largest peacekeeping force of over 100 military personnel to the UN peacekeeping mission in Cambodia (UNTAC). During this period New Zealand experts from the New Zealand Defence Force worked with the UN to help establish the Mine Clearance Training Unit. These efforts contributed to helping with the huge task of clearing millions of landmines and unexploded ordinance that are estimated to remain in Cambodia. New Zealand took in 4,600 refugees during the conflict period.
Trade
2016 statistics
|
Total trade in goods
|
$31.33 million
|
|
|
Exports to Cambodia
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$8.24 million |
Top exports: milk powder, frozen beef, apples pears and quinces
|
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Imports from Cambodia
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$23.08 million
|
Top imports: women's or girls' knitted or crocheted suits, men's or boys' suits, knitted or crocheted T-shirts and singlets |
|
GDP
|
US$20 billion
|
|
| GDP per capita |
US$1,266 |
(NZ GDP per capita is US$38,345) |
| GDP growth |
6.9% |
|
Our trade relationship with Cambodia is modest, but has the potential to develop under the ASEAN Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA). Almost half of what we import from Cambodia is clothing and our main exports are milk powder, frozen meats and fruit. New Zealand consultancy companies are active in Cambodia, working on water supply and sanitation, resource management, civil engineering and other areas.
Free trade agreements with Cambodia
Cambodia and New Zealand are both part of the regional free trade agreement AANZFTA.
We're also negotiating another regional free trade agreement that includes Cambodia:
NZ Inc ASEAN strategy
As a member of ASEAN, Cambodia is included in the NZ Inc ASEAN strategy. NZ Inc is the Government’s plan to strengthen New Zealand’s economic, political and security relationships with key international partners.
NZ Inc ASEAN strategy
Aid
The New Zealand Aid Programme in Cambodia is part of our overall programme for the Mekong region, which is guided by our relationship with ASEAN. The main focus of our work in Cambodia is developing agriculture, and developing human resources by providing scholarships and English language training.
Find out more about our aid programme with ASEAN
Embassies
Recent official visits
New Zealand to Cambodia
- 2017: Parliamentarians Hon Annette King and Hon Jo Goodhew observed commune elections
- 2015: Foreign Minister Murray McCully visited for bilateral meetings
- 2013: Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae undertook a state visit
Cambodia to New Zealand
- 2014: Minister of Commerce HE Mr SUN Chantol visited and met with the Minister of Trade
