Also attending the congress were representatives of the Cambodian Ministry of Interior, the Association of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs Abroad, and representatives of business associations from the provinces of Tay Ninh, Can Tho, Dong Thap, and An Giang, among others.
Speaking at the congress, Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu commended and highly valued the practical and effective contributions of Vietnamese enterprises, especially members of the VCBA, in recent years. Vietnamese businesses operating in Cambodia not only bring economic benefits, contribute to the budgets of both countries, create jobs for Cambodians, and implement social welfare programmes locally, but also act as “ambassadors of friendship”, fostering bonds of goodwill and promoting substantive cooperation between the two countries.
The ambassador noted that the VCBA and its member enterprises have organised highly meaningful charitable and humanitarian activities in support of the Vietnamese community and disadvantaged Cambodians.
Regarding future directions of VCBA, Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu proposed that the association adopt specific communication, promotion, and planning measures to attract more Vietnamese and Vietnamese-origin enterprises to participate, strengthen solidarity and unity among members, enhance mutual support, and play the role of a bridge between association members, the business community, and the governments of Viet Nam and Cambodia.
The congress elected an executive committee for the 2025–2029 term, comprising 25 members. The committee subsequently elected a standing board of six members, re-elected Leng Rithy as president of the association, and elected five vice presidents.
The congress also adopted the amended charter, regulations on expenditure and financial management, and regulations on the organisation and operation of the executive committee, as well as approving the summary report and new-term orientations. After two days of work, the first congress of VCBA concluded successfully, marking a new milestone in the development of the Vietnamese and Vietnamese-origin business community in Cambodia.
In his closing address, President of the VCBA Leng Rithy expressed confidence that the success of the congress would stand as the strongest affirmation of a new stage of development, in which the association will truly serve as a strong common home, a hub for connection and a launchpad for all members.
President Leng Rithy pledged to build the image of Vietnamese enterprises in Cambodia as civilised, reputable, and socially responsible, while further tightening the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the peoples and business communities of Viet Nam and Cambodia.
The VCBA was established on 30 January 2024 under a decision of the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Cambodia. After more than a year of operation, the association has admitted 63 member enterprises comprising Vietnamese and Vietnamese-origin businesses investing and operating in Cambodia. The association has carried out many trade-connection activities, social welfare initiatives, and community support efforts. Its member enterprises account for around 90% of Viet Nam’s total investment capital in Cambodia — nearly 3 billion USD.
