Cambodia Investment Review
The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (AusCham Cambodia) has announced the landmark formation of a dedicated New Zealand Subcommittee, marking a significant step in fostering closer business ties between New Zealand and Cambodia. The initiative aims to provide a structured platform for New Zealand businesses operating in Cambodia and the broader ASEAN region, offering advocacy, networking opportunities, and key insights into the local market.
The announcement comes at a time of increasing New Zealand business engagement in Southeast Asia, with growing trade and investment flows between New Zealand, Cambodia, and the broader Mekong region. The new subcommittee will help bridge connections, facilitate regulatory understanding, and create opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as finance, legal services, agriculture, education, and infrastructure development.
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Strengthening Business Links Between New Zealand and Cambodia
One of the key figures supporting this initiative is Clint O’Connell, Partner and Managing Director of DFDL Cambodia, New Zealand national and Cambodian business leader with extensive experience advising international investors in Cambodia. Speaking to Cambodia Investment Review, O’Connell highlighted the increasing presence of New Zealand businesses in the region and the need for a dedicated platform:
“Cambodia has become an increasingly attractive destination for New Zealand businesses, particularly in sectors like professional services, agriculture, and digital transformation. The establishment of a New Zealand Subcommittee within AusCham Cambodia is a fantastic initiative to strengthen these ties, provide tailored support, and ensure that businesses from New Zealand have the resources they need to succeed in this dynamic market.”
The formation of this subcommittee aligns with a broader regional trend of deepening New Zealand-ASEAN business cooperation, with New Zealand companies seeking to tap into Cambodia’s rapid economic growth, young workforce, and improving regulatory environment.
Upcoming Event to Discuss Regional Business Opportunities
To coincide with this initiative, a major business event discussing opportunities in Southeast Asia’s “Tiger Economies” – Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam – will be held in Auckland on April 10, 2025. Hosted by K3 Legal, the event will bring together leading regional experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of doing business in the region.
The panel will feature Clint O’Connell alongside leading industry professionals, including:
- Jack Sheehan, Partner and Head of Regional Tax at DFDL
- Carla Cross, Associate Director at The Advisory Group
- Edwin Morrison, Managing Director at K3 Legal, serving as the event moderator
- His Excellency Mr. Waravuth Pouapinya, Thai Ambassador to New Zealand, delivering opening remarks
The event will serve as a key platform for New Zealand businesses to gain insights into the investment climate in Cambodia and the region, covering legal, financial, and regulatory aspects. It will also provide an opportunity to introduce the New Zealand Subcommittee within AusCham Cambodia and encourage participation from New Zealand firms looking to expand their presence in the Mekong region.
Future Plans and Business Engagement
AusCham Cambodia has stated that the New Zealand Subcommittee will be an open and inclusive initiative, welcoming both existing and potential investors. The subcommittee will focus on enhancing business opportunities, supporting regulatory navigation, and fostering bilateral trade and investment ties.
Further details regarding the subcommittee’s launch and participation opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks. Businesses interested in joining can reach out to AusCham Cambodia for more information.
With increasing investment flows and stronger bilateral engagement between New Zealand and Cambodia, this initiative marks a key milestone in supporting New Zealand enterprises looking to thrive in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
