Cambodia Investment Review
The Australian Chamber of Commerce (AusCham) Cambodia hosted a vibrant Australia Day celebration at Hotel Cambodiana on January 26, bringing together over 150 attendees to honor the strong bonds between Cambodia and Australia. The event, a staple for the Australian expatriate community, commemorated the shared history and values of modern, multicultural Australia.
A Celebration of Community and Culture
Australian Ambassador Derek Yip and Deputy Head of Mission Bridget Collier attended the gathering, underscoring the event’s importance in fostering cultural exchange and community ties. AusCham Cambodia President Ashley Irving highlighted the significance of the occasion in bringing the Cambodian-Australian community together.
“Our Australia Day celebration showcases the deep friendships and shared values that unite our two nations,” Irving said. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, reflect on our history, and look toward an even brighter future together.”
The event also featured the Cambodian Eagles Australian Rules Football Club, a leading expatriate sports team in Cambodia. Their participation added an element of cultural sport exchange, further strengthening the connections between the two communities.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Australia’s support for Cambodia remains steadfast, with significant contributions since the Paris Peace Agreements. Over AUD 2 billion in development assistance has supported peacebuilding, stability, and sustainable growth in Cambodia.
Notably, Australia has committed around AUD 100 million toward Cambodia’s goal of becoming mine-free by 2025. This funding supports advanced demining equipment, training programs, and initiatives to rehabilitate and reintegrate landmine survivors.
In education, Australia Awards scholarships continue to equip Cambodians with skills and knowledge, with more than 1,000 recipients benefiting since the program’s inception. These scholarships, alongside other initiatives in governance, public sector reform, women’s economic empowerment, and clean energy, align with Cambodia’s ambitions for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Growing Economic Ties
Trade between the two nations has flourished, with bilateral trade surpassing AUD 1.3 billion in 2023. Cambodian exports to Australia reached nearly USD 450 million in the first eleven months of 2024, a 36 percent year-on-year increase.
Australia is committed to supporting Cambodia’s economic diversification efforts, particularly in agriculture, green energy, and creative industries—sectors prioritized under the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
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