Cambodia Investment Review
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has begun a three-day State Visit to Cambodia, underscoring a drive to deepen economic ties and attract investment as both countries look to expand trade and regional cooperation.
Arriving in Phnom Penh on Sunday, September 7, Marcos was accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and a high-level delegation. The visit is seen as a key step in strengthening bilateral relations ahead of the Philippinesâ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, and comes as Cambodia positions itself as an emerging hub for regional trade and investment.
Economic Priorities at the Center
Marcos is scheduled to meet Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet for a wide-ranging bilateral dialogue that will prioritize economic and business-focused cooperation. Talks will center on:
- Diversifying trade and investment flows between the two economies
- Expanding air services and tourism exchanges to drive connectivity and visitor arrivals
- Collaboration in agriculture and higher education, sectors identified as strategic growth areas
- Joint measures against transnational crimes, including human trafficking, to safeguard cross-border trade and labor mobility
The Philippine delegation is also seeking Cambodian support for Manilaâs preparations to chair ASEAN in 2026, with Marcos expected to frame deeper integration as a pathway to regional growth.
Business Engagement and Investment Push
As part of the program, Marcos will host a roundtable with Filipino and Cambodian business leaders to highlight investment opportunities and encourage partnerships with Philippine firms. The discussions are expected to focus on infrastructure, services, and agriculture â areas where Cambodian demand aligns with Philippine expertise and capacity.
âWe are working with Cambodia so that together we can grow our economy,â Marcos said in Filipino, emphasizing his intent to attract Cambodian investors to the Philippines while reinforcing two-way investment flows.
Strengthening Bilateral Foundations
The visit also builds on nearly seven decades of diplomatic relations since ties were established in 1957. It marks the first official trip to Cambodia by a Philippine president since 2016, and follows Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manetâs state visit to Manila earlier this year.
With Cambodia ranking as one of ASEANâs fastest-growing economies and the Philippines seeking to diversify its trade partners amid global uncertainty, analysts view the visit as a timely opportunity to align economic strategies. Both governments are expected to outline follow-up mechanisms to translate commitments into actionable projects.
People-to-People Links
While the visit includes engagements with senior Cambodian leaders, Marcos also placed emphasis on the Filipino community, announcing the opening of a Migrant Workers Office in Phnom Penh to provide welfare support and legal assistance to the estimated 7,500 Filipinos in Cambodia.
Officials say the move reflects Manilaâs dual-track approach: ensuring the welfare of overseas Filipinos while positioning them as bridges for stronger bilateral trade and investment ties.
