Cambodia Investment Review
H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, the newly appointed Ambassador of India to Cambodia, reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening economic and financial ties with Cambodia during a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Serey Chea, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), on February 24, 2025.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
According to a public release during the meeting at the NBC, H.E. Dr. Serey Chea welcomed Ambassador Bawitlung and highlighted the strong diplomatic and economic relationship between Cambodia and India. Discussions focused on Cambodia’s economic progress, trade, and financial system, with particular emphasis on a new cross-border payment initiative. The project, currently in development, aims to facilitate instant transactions for Cambodian tourists in India and Indian tourists in Cambodia, further enhancing tourism and economic engagement.
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H.E. Dr. Serey Chea also underscored Cambodia’s favorable investment climate for Indian businesses, citing political stability, direct air connectivity between Phnom Penh and New Delhi, and an expanding financial sector. She encouraged Ambassador Bawitlung to promote Cambodia as an investment destination, particularly among Indian financial institutions looking to explore new opportunities in Southeast Asia.
Indian Ambassador’s Vision for Economic Cooperation
Ambassador Bawitlung expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated India’s interest in expanding business and investment collaborations with Cambodia. He praised Cambodia’s progress in financial technology and banking infrastructure, emphasizing that the cross-border payment initiative would be a key driver in facilitating smoother financial transactions and boosting economic activity between the two nations.
With a strong background in diplomatic and economic affairs, Ambassador Bawitlung brings extensive experience to his new role. Having served in multiple Indian diplomatic missions, including in Tokyo, Shanghai, Brussels, Cairo, Sydney, and Azerbaijan, he has played a key role in fostering trade and investment partnerships in different regions. His tenure as Joint Secretary (Administration) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs prior to his appointment to Cambodia further solidifies his expertise in international relations.
A Seasoned Diplomat with a Global Perspective
Ambassador Bawitlung joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1998 and has held prominent positions in various Indian missions worldwide. His first posting was in Japan, where he learned the Japanese language, and he later served in key diplomatic roles in Shanghai, Brussels, and Cairo. Notably, he was the Consul General of India in Sydney before becoming India’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan in 2019.
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At the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, he served as Under Secretary (2006-07) and Director (2014-16), in addition to working as Private Secretary to the Minister of Development of North Eastern Region and Panchayati Raj from 2007-2009. Before assuming his new post in Cambodia, he was the Joint Secretary (Administration) at the Ministry of External Affairs, overseeing diplomatic functions at a national level.
A graduate of St. Stephen’s College at Delhi University with a degree in Computer Science, Ambassador Bawitlung is fluent in English, Japanese, Hindi, and Mizo.
Strengthening India-Cambodia Economic Ties
His appointment comes at a time of growing economic collaboration between India and Cambodia, with both countries looking to deepen their engagement in trade, investment, and digital finance. With his experience in economic diplomacy, Ambassador Bawitlung is expected to play a key role in furthering financial cooperation, supporting investment in Cambodia’s banking sector, and driving new initiatives such as the cross-border payment system.
As Cambodia continues to position itself as an attractive destination for foreign investment, the Indian business community may find new opportunities in the Kingdom’s growing financial and trade sectors, bolstered by diplomatic efforts led by Ambassador Bawitlung.
