During the discussions, both sides highlighted their excellent history of cooperation, with a particular focus on the World Bank’s recent efforts to enhance Cambodia’s private sector competitiveness. This progress has been driven by collaborative preparations for the WTO Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, or IFDA, in partnership with the International Trade Centre. The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of a needs assessment workshop aimed at studying the agreement’s content and sector-by-sector requirements to ensure a highly effective execution.

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The Cambodia-Austria Business Forum, held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, served as the centerpiece for the largest-ever Austrian trade mission to the Kingdom. Presided over by H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), the forum aimed to bridge the gap between Austrian innovation and Cambodian economic potential.

The forum was attended by a broad spectrum of Cambodian leadership, including representatives from the Ministries of Economy, Commerce, Public Works, and Agriculture, alongside the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce. Addressing the delegation, H.E. Sun Chanthol positioned Cambodia as one of the most dynamic and forward-looking investment destinations in Southeast Asia.

He highlighted several key factors currently driving interest in the Kingdom, specifically pointing to a highly favorable investment law and the government’s direct attentiveness toward the private sector. Furthermore, Cambodia’s macroeconomic stability, a young and dynamic workforce, and a rapidly developing network of interconnected infrastructure serve as essential pillars for foreign investors. The Deputy Prime Minister also underscored the government’s firm commitment to cracking down on online scams, ensuring a secure and attractive environment for direct investment opportunities.

Led by Mr. Andreas Sumper, Deputy Head of Mission of the Austrian Embassy, the delegation expressed deep appreciation for the excellent cooperation and warm support provided by the CDC and relevant ministries. This mission was strategically organized to allow Austrian investors to gain in-depth insights into the local market context and facilitate high-level discussions with key institutions.

The collaboration between the Council for the Development of Cambodia and the Austrian Embassy is expected to yield long-term benefits by moving beyond discussions into the establishment of genuine Business-to-Business (B2B) relationships. Both parties expressed confidence that an increased Austrian corporate presence will contribute significantly to industrial modernization while promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the country.

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The meeting served as a platform to highlight the excellent history of cooperation between Cambodia and the World Bank, with a particular focus on the bank’s recent involvement in enhancing Cambodia’s private sector competitiveness.

This progress has been driven by collaborative efforts in preparing for the WTO Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA) in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC). Furthermore, the officials discussed the outcomes of a needs assessment workshop designed to prepare for the implementation of the IFDA, aiming to comprehensively study the agreement’s content and specific sector-by-sector requirements to ensure highly effective execution.

H.E. Deputy Prime Minister highly commended the organization of this workshop and posed several fundamental questions to the World Bank experts to seek detailed, in-depth explanations. These insights are intended to assist the Royal Government in defining relevant frameworks and policies that align with shifting global trends.

Concurrently, H.E. Sun Chanthol urged all relevant stakeholders to continue their cooperation and requested the World Bank’s ongoing support in further advancing the improvement of Cambodia’s logistics and international trade sectors. In response, the World Bank representatives expressed a strong commitment to partnering with the Royal Government to propel Cambodia into a highly competitive and high-potential logistics hub within the region.

Before concluding, the meeting reached a mutual consensus that careful and thorough consideration must be given to investment facilitation in light of current global uncertainties. Both parties agreed that this meticulous approach is essential to ensuring investor confidence and encouraging the further expansion of investments throughout the Kingdom of Cambodia.

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The meeting was coordinated by H.E. Derek Yip, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Australia to the Kingdom of Cambodia, with the participation of H.E. Koy Vanny, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Health.

The meeting focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the investment potential within Cambodia’s healthcare sector and exploring cooperation opportunities between the Royal Government of Cambodia and Aspen Medical, a world leader in healthcare solutions.

In the meeting, both sides discussed health investment in Cambodia, bringing advanced technology and international-standard hospital management expertise to Cambodia.

The meeting also touched on the collaboration on specialised training for Cambodian doctors and healthcare professionals, and infrastructure investment through exploring investment possibilities in healthcare infrastructure to meet the growing demand for medical services.

Through the potential presence of Aspen Medical, Cambodia expects to achieve several positive outcomes, including modernisation of the national healthcare system, bridging the gap in healthcare service delivery, advancing professional skills and high-level medical techniques for local staff, and attracting further foreign investment into the Kingdom.

This meeting marked the second meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and the Executive Chairman, following their initial discussion held during the Investment Roadshow to Australia last August.

The discussion serves as more than just a diplomatic exchange; it is a strategic step toward further strengthening the bonds of friendship and economic cooperation between Cambodia and Australia.

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The discussion, chaired by H.E. Heang Sotheayuth, Deputy Secretary General of the CDC’s General Secretariat in charge of Digital Technologies and Publicities, focused on linking the systems of these partner banks with the CDC One Stop Service Payment (cdcOSP) platform.

Accelerating Digital Public Services

The primary objective of this collaboration is to expand the reach of public service coverage by offering a diverse array of automated digital payment solutions. By connecting bank systems directly to the cdcOSP, the CDC aims to:

• Boost Efficiency: Drastically reduce the administrative burden on investors.

• Minimize Delays: Shorten waiting times for public service applicants through real-time processing.

• Enable Flexibility: Allow transactions to be completed securely at any time and from any location.

The cdcOSP system, developed under the direct guidance of H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the CDC, serves as the central hub connecting government service delivery with private financial institutions.

A Strategic Response to Global Volatility

Officials emphasized that this digital reform is not merely a technical upgrade but a “strategic readiness effort.” It is designed to enhance Cambodia’s investment climate, competitiveness, and attractiveness during a period of regional and global economic volatility.

By building a robust digital infrastructure, the government seeks to ensure the long-term resilience of the Cambodian economy, providing investors with the confidence to maintain and grow their operations within the Kingdom.

Roadmap to 2050

The initiative aligns with the Royal Government’s long-term vision under the leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei, Prime Minister and Chairman of the CDC. Both the CDC and the six participating banks expressed strong confidence in the strategic plan to transition Cambodia into a high-income country by 2050.

Record-Breaking Growth in 2025

The push for digitization comes on the heels of a record-breaking year for Cambodian investment. According to a CDC report:

• Project Growth: Investment projects surged from approximately 414 in 2024 to more than 600 projects in just the first 11 months of 2025.

• Operational Speed: The timeframe for public service provision has been successfully optimized to just over 10 working days.

These achievements highlight the success of the CDC’s prioritization of digital transformation and the diligent efforts of its officials to streamline the investment process for the private sector.

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The pledge came during a high-level meeting on Wednesday morning, October 29, 2025, between H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), and H.E. Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade.

H.E. Sun Chanthol is currently leading a Cambodian delegation to Canada to attract and promote investment. The discussions with MP Naqvi, held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere, centered on strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations and Cambodia’s significant role within the ASEAN-Canada cooperation framework.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the pro-business reforms championed by the Royal Government of Cambodia under its Pentagon Strategy-Phase 1, including the introduction of a new, progressive investment law aimed at improving the overall business environment.

He extended a direct invitation to Canadian investors to capitalize on Cambodia’s burgeoning potential, specifically in technology, green Industries and infrastructure.

“The new investment law creates a favorable climate and abundant opportunities,” H.E. Sun Chanthol noted, emphasizing Cambodia’s appeal for foreign capital.

A key focus of the discussion was economic integration. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed Cambodia’s strong support for the ongoing negotiation of the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA), calling it a vital catalyst for joint economic growth.

MP Naqvi acknowledged the positive trajectory of trade relations between Canada, Cambodia, and the broader ASEAN region. He emphasized that this growth aligns with the objectives of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Both officials agreed on the importance of exploring continued cooperation in promoting investment and enhancing people-to-people ties to greater levels.

The meeting concluded by reaffirming the two nations’ shared dedication to a stronger, more robust partnership built on a foundation of sustainability and mutual trust.

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The event was co-chaired by H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the CDC, and H.E. Igor Driesmans, EU Ambassador to Cambodia.

Also present were Mr. Gabriele Faja, Chairperson of the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham); H.E. Stefan Messerer, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Cambodia; representatives from relevant ministries and institutions; the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC); members of the private sector; and various experts.

According to the CDC, the meeting covered a wide range of priority topics related to the investment climate and business environment in Cambodia for European investors, with the aim of further advancing progress achieved in the two previous dialogues.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Sun Chanthol expressed appreciation to all European investors for their continued confidence in Cambodia, as reflected in their growing investment volume and business expansion in the Kingdom.

During the dialogue, representatives of European investors conveyed their satisfaction with the Royal Government’s attention to their concerns and shared both challenges and experiences, particularly highlighting the responsive measures and solutions provided following the issues raised in the past two meetings.

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H.E. Andreas Scheuer, Chairman of the Asia Bridge Board and former Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure of the Federal Republic of Germany, gave the assurance during a courtesy call on H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), in Phnom Penh yesterday.

The German Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Stefan Messerer, facilitated the meeting, which was held in a cordial atmosphere. The discussion aligned with Asia Bridge’s mission to strengthen partnerships and explore cooperation across Asia, with Cambodia being recognised as a highly attractive destination.

During the talks, the officials reviewed past cooperation and exchanged views on key areas including Cambodia’s investment environment, its goals for economic diversification and investment, international trade, and the development of infrastructure and digital technology.

Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol emphasised Cambodia’s remarkable investment approval figures from 2024, noting the strong momentum continuing into 2025. He highlighted the Royal Government’s sustained efforts to enhance the investment climate and build greater investor confidence.

H.E. Andreas Scheuer commended Cambodia’s recent reform achievements, which he noted have contributed significantly to the country’s rapid transformation. He also praised the Deputy Prime Minister’s clear vision and strong commitment to driving Cambodia toward its goal of becoming a high-income country by 2050.

The Asia Bridge Chairman firmly committed to sharing Cambodia’s economic potential and positive developments with the organisation’s extensive network of business and trade partners.

Both sides concluded the meeting by expressing strong confidence in the continued deepening of Cambodia-Germany cooperation in the years ahead.

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This news comes from Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, who also serves as the First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia and Chairman of the Working Group on Tariff Negotiations with the United States. He shared these developments during a conference on the US tariff negotiations on the afternoon of July 8, 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister Chanthol, while keeping the specifics of Cambodia’s new negotiating strategy under wraps, emphasized the need for careful and deliberate use of their “cards.” The core of Cambodia’s argument for further reductions will revolve around its status as a least developed country (LDC), from which it isn’t expected to graduate until December 2029.

Cambodia plans to appeal to the United States for understanding, requesting the lowest possible tax rate to attract more investors, create jobs, and ultimately lift its population out of poverty by its target graduation year.

The initial tariff reduction from 49% to 36% is considered a major success, which Deputy Prime Minister Chanthol credited to honest and straightforward negotiations, as advised by Prime Minister Hun Manet. This new 36% tariff rate is scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2025.

However, a letter from President Donald Trump indicates that the US will provide Cambodia with an opportunity for further negotiations before August 1. Cambodia’s negotiating team is ready to pursue this, whether in person or online, with the goal of driving the tariff rate below 36%.

Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol stressed the critical importance of these negotiations for bolstering and expanding trade between Cambodia and the United States. He also highlighted the need for Cambodia to continue enhancing its appeal to investors, assuring them of the Royal Government’s commitment, under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s leadership, to resolving the tariff issue with the United States.

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Led by Oknha Ly Seng Kheang, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Oknha Nang Sothy, East Group presented their application for the proposed SEZ, which would be located in Prey Nop District. The primary objective of the meeting was to solicit guidance from the Deputy Prime Minister and relevant experts to ensure the project’s compliance with Cambodian laws and regulations.

“East Group Group is committed to adhering to all legal standards in the development of this important project,” stated a representative from the CDC following the meeting. “The Deputy Prime Minister provided valuable insights to facilitate a smooth application process.”

The request for guidance emphasizes the importance of adherence to legal standards, and governmental oversight for SEZ development within Cambodia.

This initiative comes shortly after the official launch of the ISI Special Economic Zone in Sihanoukville on January 10th. That project, a significant 800-hectare development, represents a substantial investment in the region, with the initial 206-hectare phase involving US$50 million.

The recent launch of the ISI SEZ, and the current application from the East group, shows the continued growth of SEZ’s within Cambodia.

The Cambodian government has increasingly emphasized the role of SEZs in driving economic growth and attracting foreign investment. The CDC plays a crucial role in overseeing these developments, ensuring they align with the nation’s development goals.

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