Cambodia is expected to sign a deal with North Korea to boost trade between the two countries' sea ports, Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said Thursday.

The agreement is part of a trade package to be finalised early next month during a visit to Cambodia by North Korea's Prime Minister Kim Yong-Il as the nations move to increase economic ties.

Political relations between Cambodia and North Korea 'have been excellent ... but with the economic sector, so far there has not been much,' Hor Namhong told reporters after meeting with North Korean Ambassador Ri In-Sok.

Last week Cambodian Commerce Minister said isolated North Korea was seeking access to world markets through investing in Cambodia.

'Through investment, North Korea may see Cambodia as a bridge by which to produce goods and export to bigger countries,' he said at the time, adding though that investment between the two impoverished countries was 'zero.'

Cambodia has always maintained close diplomatic ties with isolated North Korea, and it has been tapped in the past to ferry messages between South Korea and the north aimed at improving relations.

During his four-day official visit beginning November 1, Kim is expected to meet with Prime Minister Hun Sen and other senior government leaders.

The communist leader will also call on former king Norodom Sihanouk, a long-time friend of North Korea who frequently stays in a palace in Pyongyang provided to him by the North's first leader, Kim Il-Sung.