Cambodia is using this year’s ASEAN Trade Fair to intensify its push into the South Korean market, banking on rising consumer interest in high-quality agricultural goods and a deepening ASEAN–Korea economic partnership that officials say is entering a “new, forward-looking phase”.

The fair, held in Ilsan from November 13 to 16, opened Friday, as part of ASEAN Week 2025 and gathered more than 70 food and beverage companies from across the region.

Organised by the ASEAN-Korea Centre, the annual exhibition aims to help ASEAN SMEs build connections with Korean buyers and expand their market presence through both B2B and B2C platforms.

Singaporean ambassador to Korea and chair of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul, Wong Kai Jiun, praised the fair as “a positive development in ASEAN–ROK relations”, noting that talks to upgrade the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area will begin early next year.

“We elevated our ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year. This Trade Fair reflects that commitment and strengthens our economic collaboration,” he said.

The economic backdrop is strong. Two-way ASEAN–Korea trade exceeded $200 billion in 2024, rising 5.9 per cent from the previous year. Korea alone traded $192.8 billion with ASEAN member states. https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cambodia-pushes-to-expand-footprint-in-korean-market-at-asean-trade-fair-2025