Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Cambodia and China have initiated their first public-private dialogue, a significant step aimed at resolving investment challenges and further improving the business and trade environment in the Kingdom. This inaugural discussion took place on February 9, bringing together high-ranking officials and key industry representatives from both nations.
The dialogue was presided over by His Excellency Sun Chanthol, First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), and His Excellency Wang Wenbin, the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia. The event saw the participation of approximately 80 representatives from Chinese companies operating in Cambodia, representing various associations and Chinese Chambers of Commerce.
His Excellency Sun Chanthol emphasized that the Cambodian government organized this dialogue to demonstrate its strong commitment to supporting Chinese investors in the country. It provides a crucial platform for Chinese investors to openly discuss the challenges they face, enabling both sides to identify appropriate solutions. The ultimate goal is to strengthen and promote economic, trade, and investment cooperation, thereby fostering greater confidence within the Chinese business community.
Echoing this sentiment, His Excellency Wang Wenbin highlighted the importance of the dialogue in enhancing Cambodia’s investment and business landscape. He expressed confidence that these discussions would encourage more Chinese enterprises to establish and expand their presence in Cambodia. Ambassador Wang also noted that Chinese investments have already generated over one million jobs in Cambodia, making a substantial contribution to the nation’s sustainable economic growth and expanding trade relations not only between Cambodia and China but also with other international partners.
The discussions during the dialogue covered a wide array of critical sectors, including taxation, customs regulations, logistics, energy, agriculture, agro-industry, and labor. These detailed deliberations underscore a mutual commitment to finding win-win solutions that ensure a stable, harmonious, and trustworthy investment climate for Chinese investors.
In a move to ensure ongoing progress and accountability, His Excellency Sun Chanthol announced that regular dialogues would be held every six months. This periodic engagement aims to diligently monitor the resolution of identified challenges. He reiterated China’s pivotal role as Cambodia’s largest investor and trade partner. In 2023, Cambodia approved 630 investment projects, marking a 52 percent increase, with a total capital of $10 billion. Notably, Chinese investors accounted for a substantial 54.25 percent of these approved projects.
