Cambodia Signs MOU with Russia's Tatarstan for Engineering Technical Training, Boosting Economic Cooperation

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia signed a historical Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Alabuga Special Economic Zone in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, for the training and exchange of experiences for young Cambodian technicians under the "Alabuga Start" program in late July. This is another positive outcome of Cambodia-Russia relations following the meeting between the Prime Minister and the President of Russia in Kazan in June. Mr. Seng Sakda, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, who led the delegation from July 27 to 30, stated that this is an important step in strengthening the friendship and fruitful cooperation between Cambodia and Russia, facilitated by the Cambodia-Russia Business Association and the Association of Former Students from the Soviet Union and Russia. He said, "Close coordination between the Cambodia-Russia Business Association and the Association of Former Students from the Soviet Union and Russia with ALMAC and NTTI will transform these agreements and business opportunities into concrete actions to maximally serve the economic interests, human resource development, and the people of both countries." During this mission, the Cambodian delegation also held working meetings with Mr. Ole Vladimirovich Korobchenko, Deputy Prime Minister of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Tatarstan. Dr. Nhil Ratha, President of the Cambodia-Russia Business Association (CRTH), stated that Cambodia and Russia can rely on each other in both industry and agriculture. He specifically mentioned investment opportunities from Russia to Cambodia and the export of agricultural and agro-industrial products from Cambodia to Russia. Dr. Nhil Ratha noted that agricultural countries like Cambodia have a high demand for agricultural fertilizers, tractors, and agricultural drones, which represent a market for Russia. Furthermore, Russia may study the feasibility of investing in the assembly of KAMAZ heavy-duty trucks and AURUS luxury vehicles in Cambodia. In addition, Russia could also be a significant market for natural rubber and cashew nuts from Cambodia. During a meeting with Mr. Nurlan Yermekbayev, Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission, on June 18, while attending the Russia-ASEAN Summit, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet proposed studying the possibility of a free trade agreement between Cambodia and the Eurasian Economic Union to strengthen trade and economic relations between the two parties. The Prime Minister also reiterated this point in his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, requesting Russia's support. Dr. Nhil Ratha explained that establishing free trade relations with this region would provide three benefits to Cambodia: diversification of markets, which would allow Cambodia to reduce its heavy reliance on European and American markets, and the attraction of investors and technology from countries in the region into Cambodia. Another point Dr. Nhil Ratha highlighted is ensuring energy security and raw materials, as Russia and Kazakhstan, members of this region, are the world's largest suppliers of oil, gas, and agricultural fertilizers.