Cambodia’s trade volume in jewellery and precious stones reached over $244 million during the first four months of 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea announced.
He revealed the figures at the 16th Cambodia International Gems and Jewelry Fair. The event was held from May 15 to 18 at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center in Phnom Penh. It was organised by the Cambodian Gems and Jewelry Traders Association (CGJTA).
CGJTA President Nget Srey Oun and many other notable guests attended the fair.
Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Hun Manet, Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea praised the association for its active role in promoting Cambodia’s gemstone sector both at home and abroad.
“By organising this international exhibition, the association supports the Royal Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet,” he said in his keynote speech.
He added, “This event creates valuable opportunities for local and international stakeholders. It encourages innovation, investment, and growth in the jewellery and gemstone industry.”
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the association’s recent success in signing 240 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with jewellery groups from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and India over the past year. He described the ongoing international fair as a major achievement and praised the association’s leadership for their hard work.
“Cambodia’s biggest success remains its peace, stability, and political security. These have allowed the country to enjoy steady economic growth, even after the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
In 2024, Cambodia’s total trade volume in jewellery and precious stones was $788 million. This was about 30 percent lower than the $1.267 billion recorded in 2023. Despite the drop, officials remain hopeful. They point to recovery efforts and long-term development plans as reasons for optimism.
“The $244 million figure for the first four months is a positive sign. It also reminds us to keep pushing for innovation and cooperation,” Sok Chenda Sophea said.
He also emphasized the importance of the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase 1. This five-year plan aims to boost growth, create jobs, promote fairness, improve efficiency, and ensure sustainability. It supports Cambodia’s goal of becoming a high-income country by 2050.
“Through this strategy, we are working to improve the business and investment climate. We are introducing reforms to reduce barriers in the system,” he explained. “One key project is the Cambodian Data Exchange (CamDX), which simplifies service requests by using digital technology.”
However, the Deputy Prime Minister also cautioned that the global situation remains uncertain. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, war, climate change, and economic instability pose challenges for the future.
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