The Cambodian Private Commercial Centre (CPCC), recently established in India by AZ Group under the guidance of senior Cambodian leaders, hosted a landmark series of bilateral trade and cooperation meetings in New Delhi on May 2, 2025. The engagements brought together Cambodian government officials, Indian business leaders, and diplomatic representatives to explore avenues for mutual growth rooted in economic opportunity, spiritual heritage, and shared values.
These discussions were held with the blessings and vision of H.E. Dr. Sok Siphana, H.E. Cham Nimol, and H.E. Pan Sorasak Bora, reflecting a broader commitment to deepening ties between Cambodia and India.
Meeting 1: CPCC India & Cambodian Delegation
Date & Time: May 2, 2025 | 1:30 PM
Venue: India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi
Indian Delegation (CPCC India):
Adarniya Amit Rastogi Ji
Adarniya Shri Ram Ji
Adarniya Rajiv Kapahi Ji
Adarniyaa Riya Ji
Additional Attendees:
Adarniya Ravi Manikoth (Co-founder, Aban Offshore Group; business interests in mining, oil & gas, food & agri, rubber, renewable energy, hospitals, and defence)
Adarniya Ajit Kumar
Adarniya Siddharth Shrivastava (Defence sector)
Adarniya Saurabh Taneja (Owner, Tabsons – Media Monitoring & Electronics/Gadget Manufacturing)
Cambodian Delegation:
H.E. Kao Kosal, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce (Head of Delegation)
H.E. Tith Seychanly, Director General, General Directorate of Trade Promotion
Mr. Ouch Savin, Director, Department of Market Development
Ms. U K Chanbolinda, AZ Group
Key Discussion Points (Rooted in Dharma)
Spiritual Tourism
A shared spiritual lineage formed the foundation of the dialogue, especially the historical and religious bonds between Hinduism and Buddhism. Discussions focused on enhancing tourism between the two nations, with Angkor Wat identified as a central site of interest for Indian pilgrims and travellers.
The delegation agreed on the need to improve infrastructure around the Angkor complex and offer enriched narratives that highlight its Hindu elements to attract Indian spiritual tourists. Adarniya Rajiv Kapahi Ji committed to engage with Indigo Airlines, particularly in light of the airline’s planned direct Kolkata–Cambodia route, to explore options for expanding direct connectivity.
Agriculture & Raw Materials
Cambodia’s large-scale cashew production was highlighted as a key opportunity for collaboration. Recognising India’s expertise in processing and its robust consumption demand, both parties explored ways to create a mutually beneficial agricultural trade ecosystem. The dialogue also extended to other raw materials Cambodia produces, with India seen as a reliable partner for sustainable sourcing.
Railways & Infrastructure Development
The discussion underscored the potential for Indian support in developing Cambodia’s railway network. India’s proven capabilities in railway engineering, management, and large-scale infrastructure projects were seen as valuable assets in helping Cambodia modernise its domestic connectivity.
Garment & Textile Trade
Given that the garment industry contributes around 30% of Cambodia’s total trade, the participants identified significant synergy between Cambodia’s garment manufacturing base and India’s thriving textile sector. Indian firms such as Narmadeshwari could play a pivotal role by supplying a wide range of fabrics to fuel Cambodia’s export-driven garment sector.
Meeting 2: Cambodian Embassy with H.E. Rath Many
Date & Time: May 2, 2025 | 5:00 PM
Venue: Embassy of Cambodia, New Delhi
Indian Delegation (CPCC India):
Adarniya Amit Rastogi Ji
Adarniya Shri Ram Ji
Adarniya Rajiv Kapahi Ji
Adarniyaa Riya Ji
Cambodian Delegation:
H.E. Kao Kosal
H.E. Tith Seychanly
Mr. Ouch Savin
Ms. U K Chanbolinda
This session was graced by Her Excellency Rath Many, the Ambassador of Cambodia to India, with concurrent accreditation to Sri Lanka, Nepal, Iran, and Bangladesh. Her Excellency brought deep insights and diplomatic perspective to the proceedings, reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to long-term cooperation with India.
Discussion Highlights
Shared Spiritual Heritage
The Ambassador emphasised that Buddhism’s origin in India as an expression of Hindu Dharma provides a powerful spiritual and philosophical bond between the two nations. This common heritage was framed as a core strength in advancing diplomatic, cultural, and economic engagement.
Spiritual Tourism & Angkor Wat
The centrality of Angkor Wat in Cambodia’s tourism vision was reiterated. With its significance to both Hindus and Buddhists, Angkor Wat was recognised as a key attraction for Indian travellers. The need for quality infrastructure, interpretative storytelling, and comfortable amenities was emphasised to meet the expectations of discerning Indian tourists.
Infrastructure for Tourism
Her Excellency discussed the importance of developing supporting infrastructure around tourism hubs, including improved roads, sanitation, and accommodations to encourage repeat visits and long stays from international travellers.
Direct Flight Connectivity
The upcoming Kolkata–Cambodia direct flight was acknowledged as a positive development. Participants called for the exploration of more direct air routes between Indian metros and Cambodia to facilitate tourism, business travel, and cargo movement.
Collaborative Cultural & Economic Events
Ambassador Rath Many proposed hosting joint cultural performances, trade exhibitions, and business seminars at the Embassy and in collaboration with Indian partners. These events aim to deepen people-to-people ties and promote bilateral investment.
Diverse Sectoral Cooperation
The conversation covered sectors beyond tourism, including:
- Education: Knowledge sharing as a sacred duty under Dharma
- Mining: Ethical and sustainable resource development
- Railways: Infrastructure for national development
- Agriculture: Enhanced bilateral trade in products like cashews
CPCC India: A Strategic Outcome of Bilateral Engagement
The establishment of the Cambodian Private Commercial Centre (CPCC) in India is the direct result of continued engagement and blessings from senior Cambodian leadership, including H.E. Dr. Sok Siphana, H.E. Cham Nimol, and H.E. Pan Sorasak Bora. Operated by AZ Group and Founding Director Jas Sohl, CPCC India is envisioned as a strategic platform to promote Cambodia’s economic, cultural, and investment potential in the Indian market.
Mr. Jas Sohl, speaking on behalf of CPCC, said:
“This initiative is grounded in spiritual alignment and a shared vision for prosperity. The CPCC will serve as a bridge that not only connects commerce but also deepens our cultural and historical unity.”
The Cambodian Embassy’s commitment to actively collaborate on bilateral initiatives through CPCC reaffirms both countries’ shared goal: to realise sustainable growth that respects tradition, deepens trust, and builds a prosperous future for both peoples.
Visit https://pcccambodia.com/ for info about CPCC
