KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia-Cambodia economic partnership must be further expanded to cover new key areas such as the halal industry, utilities, infrastructure and road development, says International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

He said the two countries should also collaborate in the renewable energy sector and high-value services.

"Malaysia and Cambodia have already had a close relationship and they need to continue to build upon this strong foundation and maintain the momentum," he said in a statement here Monday.

The statement was released in conjunction with an Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) to Cambodia, starting tomorrow, involving 35 business representatives from 20 Malaysian companies.

The EAM will be a platform for businesses from both countries to exchange views on the current business climate and identify key areas to strengthen cooperation.

One of the key highlights of the EAM is the Malaysia-Cambodia Business Seminar which will be attended by Mustapa and his Cambodian counterpart Pan Sorasak.

Mustapa is also expected to attend bilateral meetings with several Cambodian cabinet members.

The EAM is part of the government's efforts to enhance trade and investment ties with ASEAN member states.

-- BERNAMA