(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Cambodia is committed to a pro-business agenda that minimizes friction and maximizes speed to market, speaking on Wednesday (Mar. 4) during the opening of the ASEAN-Cambodia Business Summit 2026 at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.
The prime minister said that while global FDI flows contracted by 11%, inflows to ASEAN rose by 8.5% to USD 226 billion. This resilience is the direct result of the commitment to regional integration and the harmonization of physical and digital infrastructure.
“Within this regional framework, Cambodia is positioning itself as a strategic partner among ASEAN member countries. Cambodia offers a compelling strategic advantage for global investors, grounded in political stability, macroeconomic resilience, expanding market access, and a progressive and forward-looking regulatory framework. Despite the current regional and global context, Cambodia’s economy remains robust. The economy grew by 5.2% in 2025, with solid growth projected to continue in the medium term, offering great opportunities for business and investment,” he added.
He continued that, “We understand that for your operations to be truly cost-effective and resilient, you need a diversified footprint. Cambodia complements the regional industrial bases by offering a seamless extension of the regional supply chain. Since joining ASEAN in 1999, we have aggressively dismantled trade barriers and modernized our customs and logistics frameworks. We recognize that in the business world, efficiency is the ultimate currency. To that end, the Royal Government of Cambodia offers 100% foreign ownership and is digitizing the regulatory and approval environment. We are committed to a pro-business agenda that minimizes friction and maximizes speed to market.”
On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underlined that Cambodian national economic policy is guided by the Pentagonal Strategy, a comprehensive roadmap to achieve the 2050 Vision. This strategy is built on five pillars: People, Roads, Water, Electricity, and Technology. Technology is a core component of the national policy because Cambodia views high-value growth as inseparable from digital maturity.
According to the premier, Cambodia is currently executing a massive “skills revolution” through the 1.5 million Youth TVET Program. “By partnering with industry leaders, we are ensuring our workforce is not just labour-ready, but Fourth Industrial Revolution-compliant,” he said.
Samdech Thipadei further highlighted that the Royal Government has also refined the Pentagonal Strategy—Phase I and introduced a comprehensive program to enhance competitiveness, promote diversification, and strengthen resilience in light of today’s highly uncertain global context.
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