Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodia’s rapid economic development continues to capture the attention of global investors. During the first B2B Cambodia Media News event, “Invest Cambodia, the Asian Tiger of the 21st Century,” local leaders gathered to discuss the nation’s growing role as a key investment destination in Southeast Asia.
A major highlight of the event was the announcement that Cambodian Investment Management Accounting Services (CIMAS) has joined the Moore Rowland global network, making Cambodia the 14th country in their footprint. This partnership expands CIMAS’s service offerings, including ESG auditing, pre-IPO support, corporate finance, and ISO certification.
Anthony Galliano, Founder and Chairman of CIMAS, reflected on the company’s growth and the new opportunities provided by joining Moore Rowland. “When I started Cambodian Investment Management in 2009, we had just two staff members. Today, we are nearly 50 people. This partnership will allow us to expand our offerings and strengthen our position in the global market,” Galliano said.
Cambodia’s Strong Economic Performance
The event also featured a discussion of Cambodia’s impressive economic growth. The country’s GDP has surged from USD 3.65 billion in 2000 to over USD 42 billion today, growing 11.5 times in just 24 years. Over the same period, Cambodia’s average annual GDP growth rate of 6.91% has outpaced the ASEAN average of 5.0% and the global average of 3.1%.
Galliano emphasized Cambodia’s achievements in poverty reduction, with the national poverty rate falling from 53.2% in 2004 to less than 17% today. This progress highlights Cambodia’s ability to improve living standards and create opportunities for its people. “These numbers reflect the government’s dedication to transforming Cambodia and making it an attractive destination for foreign investment,” he noted.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) has also been a key driver of Cambodia’s growth, with FDI reaching $48.4 billion between 2018 and 2023. Cambodia’s export value grew from $1.4 billion in 2000 to $22.6 billion in 2023, further demonstrating the country’s increasing role in global trade.
Despite these positive economic indicators, Cambodia’s stock market faces challenges. The Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) has seen a significant drop in its index since 2019. However, Galliano expressed optimism that the government’s ongoing efforts to build investor confidence will pay off in the long term. “The stock market will catch up with the economy, and as it matures, it will become a more important part of Cambodia’s financial landscape,” he said.
The Future of Cambodia’s Economy
Looking to the future, Galliano is confident that Cambodia’s economic trajectory remains strong. With GDP growth projected to average 7% annually, and a low unemployment rate of 0.24%, Cambodia is poised for continued growth. Galliano also highlighted the country’s low inflation rate of 2.13% in 2023 and its manageable public debt, which stands at just USD 12 billion—well below the global average.
Factors such as a youthful population, low corporate taxes, and 100% foreign ownership for investors contribute to Cambodia’s attractiveness as an investment destination. The country’s strategic location in Southeast Asia, along with its participation in free trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), further boosts its investment appeal.
“Cambodia’s economic fundamentals are strong. We are seeing robust growth in key sectors like textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing. The young, dynamic workforce and favorable policies make Cambodia one of the most attractive places to invest in the region,” Galliano said.
In addition to expanding CIMAS’s services, the event also highlighted B2B Media News Cambodia, a press company focused on delivering real-time business news, market updates, and regulatory changes impacting Cambodia’s financial and capital markets. Galliano emphasized the importance of media coverage in raising Cambodia’s profile as an investment hub.
“We are committed to increasing visibility for Cambodia as a leading investment destination. By sharing the country’s growth story, we aim to attract more international investors,” Galliano concluded.
