Cambodia Investment Review
Her Excellency Minister of Commerce CHAM Nimul recently engaged with students and business leaders at CamEd Business School, providing a detailed and practical discussion on key factors influencing Cambodia’s competitiveness. The conversation centered around three crucial topics: competition, championing local products, and looking beyond market access.
Minister CHAM Nimul underscored the importance of not viewing competitors in a binary fashion but rather recognizing opportunities for complementarity. She cited examples from regional trade dynamics, emphasizing how businesses can leverage partnerships instead of engaging in zero-sum competition.
Championing Local Products and Expanding Investment
A major focus of the discussion was the need to position Cambodia as a regional hub for specialized products. While the government has successfully secured market access across key global trade networks, Minister CHAM Nimul highlighted that it is now the private sector’s role to invest further in expanding expertise. She stressed the urgency of transitioning from labor-intensive manufacturing to a more advanced electronics-based production capacity, a move that would enhance the country’s competitiveness in global supply chains.
The Minister also provided insight into Cambodia’s trade relationships, using real-world examples to illustrate how and why the country exports rice to the UAE and the strategic benefits of strengthening trade ties with Saudi Arabia.
The Role of Human Capital Development
A recurring theme in the discussion was the importance of human capital development. Minister CHAM Nimul noted that in order to sustain long-term economic growth and competitiveness, Cambodia must continue investing in education and workforce training. CamEd Business School was recognized as a leading institution in this effort, particularly in the areas of finance and accounting education.
CamEd Chairman Dr. Virak Prum reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting economic policy development. He expressed readiness to provide technical expertise and feedback on commercial law drafts currently under review by the Ministry of Commerce.
CamEd Business School extended its appreciation to Minister CHAM Nimul for sharing her expertise and insights and expressed eagerness for further engagements in the future. Those interested in CamEd’s undergraduate, graduate, and diploma programs can learn more at https://cam-ed.edu.kh.
