New Cold Chain Shipping Route between China and Cambodia Launched

A new cold chain shipping route from Fangchenggang to Koh Kong has been launched, aimed at bolstering Cambodia’s agricultural exports. Expected benefits include reduced shipping time and costs, preserving product quality for longer periods and accommodating growth in agricultural output. This initiative signifies strengthened trade relations between Cambodia and China.

The newly launched ‘cold chain + general cargo’ transport route between Fangchenggang Port in China and Koh Kong Port in Cambodia aims to significantly boost Cambodia’s export capabilities. According to Lor Vichet, vice-president of the Cambodia Chinese Commerce Association, this innovative cold chain system is particularly advantageous for the agricultural sector as it maintains controlled temperatures during transit, thereby preserving product quality.

As a result of this direct shipping route, businesses can expect numerous benefits, including shortened shipping times, elimination of transshipment, and reduced costs. The introduction of this route is timely, coinciding with growing agricultural yields in Cambodia, which continue to rise annually.

The announcement on March 15 marked a significant step in strengthening Cambodia-China trade relations, particularly concerning agricultural exports. Wang Wenbin, the Chinese ambassador to Cambodia, praised the new route, stating it enables a direct line that can decrease shipping time by over 50% and logistical costs by more than 20% when compared to traditional transit methods.

Vichet emphasized that the new route enhances the competitiveness of Cambodian agricultural products in the Chinese market. By preserving quality for longer and streamlining transport times, this initiative is poised to lower production costs and improve market positioning for Cambodian goods.

Furthermore, as Cambodia’s pharmaceutical sector grows, the demand for such cold chain transportation may also increase. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries indicated that in 2024, Cambodia exported about 11.7 million tonnes of agricultural products—representing a 39% increase over 2023—yielding approximately $4.8 billion.

Lim Heng, vice-president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, remarked on the significant growth in agricultural production and the opportunities it presents for exports. He highlighted that products like rice, corn, mangoes, and bananas are now increasingly meeting export market requirements and achieving higher quality standards.

The General Department of Customs and Excise reported that in the first two months of the year, Cambodia’s international trade reached a total value of $9.447 billion, with China being the Kingdom’s largest trading partner, accounting for 28.18% of total trades. Additionally, trade between the two countries reached $2.662 billion during January-February 2025, marking a 21.1% increase from the same period in the preceding year.

The launch of the ‘cold chain + general cargo’ route between Fangchenggang and Koh Kong is a strategic development that will enhance Cambodia’s agricultural export capabilities while strengthening trade relations with China. This initiative is expected to yield significant reductions in shipping time and logistical costs, further enabling an increase in export competitiveness. As the agricultural production continues to rise, this could set a precedent for future growth and investment opportunities across various sectors in Cambodia.

Original Source: www.phnompenhpost.com