Cambodia Investment Revew
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the deepening economic partnership between the Philippines and Cambodia during the recently concluded CEO B2B Networking Roundtable at Raffles Hotel Le Royal. The event, held on September 8, 2025 as part of his three-day State Visit to Cambodia, brought together top executives, investors, and policymakers from both nations to explore new opportunities for trade, investment, and collaboration.
Jointly organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Business Association in Cambodia, the high-level forum served as a platform for forging stronger business linkages and advancing bilateral economic goals.
Steady Growth and Strengthening Trust
In his keynote address, President Marcos noted the consistent upward trend in bilateral trade since 2022. He reported that in 2024, total trade between the two countries reached USD 105.69 million, underscoring both the growing demand for each other’s goods and services and the rising level of trust between their business communities.
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“This growth reflects not only the increasing vitality and complementarity of our economies, but also the rising level of trust between our business communities,” he said, attributing the progress to trade facilitation, policy alignment, and stronger private sector engagement.
The President also recalled key milestones in the relationship, including his 2022 visit to Cambodia and the recent visit of Prime Minister Hun Manet to the Philippines. He described these exchanges as “pivotal in renewing bilateral ties” and as laying the foundation for a more strategic, forward-looking partnership.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Industries
President Marcos urged business leaders to tap into untapped potential, stressing that the future of PH–Cambodia cooperation lies not only in established sectors but also in emerging high-impact industries, including:
• Consumer goods
• Education
• Healthcare
• Franchising
• Infrastructure
• Agro-processing
• Logistics
“These industries are critical drivers for both economic modernization and social development,” he said, noting that they align with national development priorities and global trends in innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation.
Private Sector as the Engine of Growth
Reaffirming the Philippine government’s commitment to fostering an enabling business environment, President Marcos emphasized the central role of the private sector in driving economic progress.
“The private sector mobilizes capital, creates jobs, introduces technology, and delivers lasting impact,” he said. “We are fully prepared to work with you in transforming ideas into tangible results. Your efforts are at the forefront of this partnership, and we stand beside you in laying the foundations for shared growth and opportunity.”
Looking Ahead to ASEAN 2026
The President also called on business leaders to support the Philippines as it prepares to assume the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026, describing it as a defining moment for the region.
“We are committed to working closely with Cambodia and all our ASEAN partners to advance the shared aspirations that bind us as a community—striving towards a more prosperous and unified ASEAN that will serve the interests of our peoples and rise to the challenges of an ever-changing world,” he said.
A Strategic Platform for Action
Far from being a ceremonial gathering, the CEO B2B Networking Roundtable served as a strategic platform for meaningful engagement, enabling participants to exchange insights, forge partnerships, and identify concrete projects that can generate jobs, stimulate investment, and promote inclusive growth.
As the State Visit progresses, both governments and their private sectors appear ready to translate goodwill into measurable outcomes, marking another step toward a new era of Philippines–Cambodia economic cooperation—one anchored in trust, innovation, and shared prosperity.
