DAP: The breaking news in Cambodia: “Cambodia-U.S. trade flat in Q1” plus 1 more

PHNOM PENH, May 3 (Xinhua) -- The two-way trade volume between Cambodia and the United States valued at 758 million U.S. dollars in the first three months of this year, up only 0.8 percent compared with 752 million U.S. dollars over the same period last year, the statistics of the U.S. Department of Commerce showed Friday.

The United States is Cambodia's largest export destination. During the January-March period this year, Cambodia's exports to the U.S. were worth 695 million U.S. dollars, up 0.3 percent, while the country's imports from the United States were 63 million U.S. dollars, up 7 percent, the report said.

Main items Cambodia sold to the United States were garments, textile and footwear. In return, it bought vehicles, machinery, medical equipment and supplies.

Last year, the two countries' trade volume was valued at 2.92 billion U.S. dollars, up merely 0.7 percent on year.

PHNOM PENH, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and Bangladesh on Friday signed a visa-free agreement for diplomatic and service passport holders in a bid to strengthen bilateral ties in politics, trade, investment and tourism, officials said.

The deal was inked here between Long Visalo, secretary of state at Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Kazi Imtiaz Hossain, Bangkok-based Ambassador of Bangladesh to Cambodia.

"The agreement will give further opportunity for the two countries to promote bilateral ties, particularly in politics, tourism, trade and investment," Long Visalo said after the signing ceremony. "Our two countries are located not very far from each other, so we believe that our relationship and cooperation will make headway in coming years."

Kazi Imtiaz Hossain said the visa-free deal would facilitate both sides' diplomats and officials to contact each other easier.

"Bangladesh and Cambodia are close friends. The agreement will not only further strengthen political tie, but also promote trade, investment and tourism," he said. "Bangladesh is pleased to explore more chance of cooperation with Cambodia for mutual benefits."

Trade and investment ties between the two nations are relatively small. On tourism side, only 1,367 Bangladeshis visited Cambodia last year, up 4 percent year on year, said a tourism report.

Cambodia has so far signed mutual visa exemption agreements for diplomatic and official passport holders with all ASEAN member countries as well as India, China, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Pakistan, Cuba and Uruguay.