The government and private sector anticipate that the forthcoming direct flights between Cambodia and India will create a new impetus for promoting cultural tourism, trade and investment flow between the two nations in the coming years, coinciding with ongoing discussions about the possibility of a free trade agreement (FTA).

The proposal was introduced by Cambodian ambassador to India Koy Koung at a meeting with the Cambodian Oknha Association (COA) during their recent trade mission.

He noted that the commencement of the initiative is planned for sometime between April and June this year.

Oknha is an honorific for individuals, mostly tycoons, who have contributed significantly to national development.

Koung stated that the embassy has been coordinating with Indian authorities on the documents and regulations for the flights.

Sinn Chanserey Vutha, spokesperson for the State Secretariat for Civil Aviation (SSCA), told The Post that the body had approved the operation, while both countries are finalising technical documents.

He added that the plan includes two direct flights, one between Phnom Penh and the Indian capital of New Delhi, and another between New Delhi and Siem Reap province, the Kingdom’s main tourist destination.

“We have already approved direct flights. However, they need to apply for another flight permit by providing detailed information about the flights and aircraft. The documentation process appears to be in good order, but for the technical aspects, they need to submit comprehensive details about the flights. As of now, these details haven’t been submitted to us,” Chanserey Vutha explained.

“We are eager to have direct flights, as they will attract more Indian tourists to our country and provide our people with direct access to India,” he added.

Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia chapter, expressed enthusiasm for the proposed direct flights.

He highlighted India’s significant potential in both the tourism and investment sectors.

“Generally, Indian tourists are a high-potential market because of the country’s large population,” he stated.

Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), pointed out that direct flights make countries in the region more attractive, but the Kingdom’s current lack of flights from India is a limitation.

“Establishing direct flights from India to Cambodia will help attract more tourists from India’s vast market,” she said.

The India-Cambodia Joint Business Council (ICJBC) was officially established in New Delhi on February 23. The initiative, a collaboration between the COA and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), aims to enhance trade activities and investment.

This is expected to be achieved through dialogue and cooperation between the private sectors of both countries, as stated in a joint press release from the institution.

Indian ambassador to Cambodia Devyani Khobragade emphasised the important role of the business council in fortifying economic ties between the two countries, highlighting the ongoing improvement in diplomatic relations between them.

“I am delighted to see the formal establishment of the ICJBC, which will provide opportunities for the private sectors of the two countries to participate fully and formally at the highest level. Such mutual cooperation in the private sector, with the full support of the government, will surely boost trade and investment activities between India and Cambodia, as well as strengthen the bilateral partnership even more,” she added.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade between the two nations has been on an upward trajectory, reaching nearly $485.70 million in 2023, representing a 10% increase compared to 2022.

Cambodia welcomed 68,836 Indian tourists in 2023, marking an increase of more than 102% from 34,016 in 2022, as per the Ministry of Tourism.