PHNOM PENH: Cambodia is reaching out to the United States for continued partnership on multiple fronts. During a farewell meeting with outgoing US Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy on April 24th, Cambodia’s First Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Sun Chanthol, expressed his appreciation for Ambassador Murphy’s work in strengthening bilateral relations.
Cambodia called for the US to maintain its support in developing the skills of Cambodian officials, specifically those working under the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC). This focus on capacity building suggests Cambodia’s commitment to improving governance and creating a more attractive environment for foreign investment.
In a novel move, Deputy Prime Minister Chanthol proposed leading a high-level delegation on an “investment door-knocking mission” to the United States. This initiative signals a proactive approach to attracting US investment and strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
The timing of this request is significant. Cambodia’s outreach comes amidst global economic uncertainty due to situations in Myanmar and Ukraine. By highlighting its stability – as Ambassador Murphy hailed Cambodia with the great welcomed to President Joe Biden last time and as well ASEAN summit– Cambodia hopes to position itself as a reliable and attractive investment destination for American businesses.
