Cambodia Investment Review
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia board members participated in a visit and reception aboard HMCS Ottawa on February 3rd, 2025, during the warship’s four-day goodwill visit to Cambodia.
Led by Chairwoman Emily Yu, the CanCham Cambodia delegation toured the impressive Halifax-class frigate, getting a firsthand look at the sophisticated machinery and arms systems used in training, rescue operations, and combat missions. In a symbolic gesture of bilateral friendship, Ms. Yu presented a commemorative flag to the ship on behalf of CanCham Cambodia.
Canada’s Commitment To Strengthening Ties In The Indo-Pacific
The event was attended by distinguished guests including Canada’s Ambassador to Cambodia Ping Kitnikone, who is based in Bangkok, highlighting the diplomatic significance of the visit. HMCS Ottawa’s presence in Cambodia, with its crew of 244 personnel, represents Canada’s commitment to strengthening ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
“As representatives of the Canadian business community in Cambodia, we are proud to witness this demonstration of Canada’s commitment to the region,” said Emily Yu, Chairwoman of CanCham Cambodia.
HMCS Ottawa’s visit to Sihanoukville is part of Operation Horizon, Canada’s forward-presence mission in the Indo-Pacific region in promoting peace, stability, and the rules-based international order. The ship departed Canada on October 16, 2024, and has been actively engaged in various regional operations and exercises.
Commander Adriano Lozer has emphasized Cambodia’s important role in maintaining regional stability as an ASEAN member, expressing keen interest in future collaborations between the two nations.
Create Opportunities For Canadian-Cambodian Business Relationships
This maritime diplomatic engagement aligns with CanCham Cambodia’s mission to strengthen bilateral ties and create opportunities for Canadian-Cambodian business relationships. The visit underscores the growing importance of Cambodia in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and the deepening engagement between the two nations.
The visit highlights the strong bilateral relations between Canada and Cambodia. Canada maintains its position as Cambodia’s 10th largest donor of Overseas Development Assistance, contributing approximately $15.9 million in 2022-2023. Recently, Canada demonstrated its continued commitment to Cambodia by providing financial support for the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention Review Conference in Siem Reap (November 2024), where Canada announced an additional $2.1 million contribution to Cambodia’s landmine and unexploded ordnance clearance efforts, building upon its previous support of over $50 million.
