Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, highlighted six tangible benefits that the Kingdom offers to investors, at the Philippines-Cambodia Business Forum, held in Manila, the Philippines this afternoon.
According to the Cambodian Premier, the six benefits include:
First, Pro-Business Environment and Incentives: The Royal Government has implemented reforms, including streamlined regulations and generous tax incentives, to foster a business-friendly environment. The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) operates as a single window for applications for the Qualified Investment Project (QIP), offering up to 15-year tax holidays, among others.
Special investment programmes have been launched for Preah Sihanouk province and four northeastern provinces, offering special incentives.
Second, Strong Public-Private Dialogue: Open communication between the government and investors is a key priority. The Government-Private Sector Forum, comprising 16-sector working groups, ensures that all challenges and concerns of the private sector are heard and addressed on a regular basis.
Third, Strategic Location and Infrastructure Growth: Positioned at the heart of ASEAN, Cambodia offers unparallel access to regional market. Our substantial investment in infrastructure, especially logistics, transport and efficient connectivity both within Cambodia and the broader ASEAN region, reduces costs and optimises business operations.
Fourth, Regional and Global Market Access: As a member of ASEAN and a participant in RCEP, Cambodia provides unparallel access to expansive regional markets. Cambodia’s bilateral FTAs with China and South Korea, and our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with United Arab Emirates further amplify these advantages. In addition, Cambodia and the Philippines ought to further explore ways to optimise the significant untapped business and investment potentials, particularly the preferential market access offered by the FTAs to which both are party, particularly ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and RCEP.
We should leverage the respective comparative advantages on a mutually beneficial basis.
Fifth, Digital Economy and Innovation: The Royal Government recognises the transformative power of digitalisation and has prioritised developing a robust digital ecosystem.
The Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021-2035 outlines a clear vision for this transformation, focusing on innovation, productivity enhancement, and digital inclusion. For this reason, Filipino investors in digital technologies, FinTech, e-commerce, and related fields are encouraged to partner with Cambodia in building its digital future.
Sixth, Sustainable Energy and Green Growth: Cambodia is also committed to sustainable energy. Our abundant natural resources, particularly its significant solar and hydropower potential, make it an attractive destination for green investment. The Power Development Masterplan 2022-2040 provides a clear roadmap for renewable energy expansion, ensuring a predictable and stable investment environment. Coupled with the Royal Government’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, this sector offers long-term growth potential.
“The Royal Government is committed to facilitating your investment journey through our supportive and guiding mechanisms, ensuring a smooth and successful experience,” the Cambodian Premier underlined.
Cambodia is rapidly emerging as a prime destination for FDI, earning a spot on the Financial Times’ FDI Intelligence Standouts Watchlist 2024 as one of the world’s top 50 FDI locations. In 2024, the country attracted over 400 investment projects worth close to US$7 billion – a 40 percent increase in capital compared to 2023.
