Cambodia Investment Review
More than 150 business leaders, tax professionals, government officials and legal experts gathered in Phnom Penh this week as EuroCham Cambodia’s Tax Forum 2026 placed economy formalisation and regulatory certainty at the centre of discussions on Cambodia’s evolving tax landscape.
Held at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, the annual forum brought together representatives from the General Department of Taxation (GDT), the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the World Bank and the private sector to examine how tax policy can support investment, improve compliance and strengthen Cambodia’s long-term economic competitiveness.
The event also marked the formal handover of EuroCham’s White Book 2027 to the General Department of Taxation, with taxation among the key policy recommendations presented to government.
Opening remarks were delivered by Martin Brisson, Executive Director of EuroCham Cambodia, Linda Oum, Vice-Chairperson of EuroCham’s Tax Committee and Tax Manager at HEINEKEN Cambodia, and H.E. Bun Neary, Deputy Director General of the GDT.
Formalising Cambodia’s Economy
The morning plenary focused on one of Cambodia’s most significant economic challenges: expanding the country’s formal economy.
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Presentations examined the scale of Cambodia’s informal sector and the economic benefits of encouraging more businesses to enter the formal tax system, including stronger government revenues, improved investor confidence and a more competitive environment for compliant businesses.
A panel discussion featuring H.E. Bun Neary of the GDT, Bunna Oudom of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Panayiotis Nicolaides of the World Bank and Martin Brisson explored the policy measures needed to broaden Cambodia’s tax base.
Discussions highlighted digitalisation, simplified compliance procedures and stronger public-private cooperation as key drivers of formalisation.
Martin Brisson said the transition would require strengthening formal businesses rather than expecting the informal sector to immediately comply.
“One point that particularly resonated with me during this morning’s discussion on informality was the recognition that we should not expect the informal sector to simply become formal overnight. The real challenge is to create the conditions for formal businesses to grow, invest, and create quality jobs. As the formal economy expands, it can gradually absorb workers and entrepreneurs who currently operate informally.
In that sense, strengthening the competitiveness of the formal sector is not separate from addressing informality—it is one of the most effective ways of doing so.”
Tax Issues Facing Businesses
The afternoon programme shifted to four technical sessions covering the tax topics most requested by businesses ahead of the forum.
One breakout session examined Cambodia’s Capital Gains Tax, featuring presentations from Bun & Associates and a panel including representatives from the GDT, DFDL, Knight Frank Cambodia and EuroCham’s Real Estate and Construction Committee, focusing on the practical implementation of the framework for businesses and investors.
A second session explored Cambodia’s Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) network, with Dr. Antoine Fontaine, Secretary General of EuroCham Cambodia and Partner at ANANT Law Firm, leading a discussion with Tiv Dina, Managing Director and Founder of Compliance Partner, on the importance of tax treaties in supporting cross-border investment.
“A Double Taxation Agreement is not just a treaty, but a bridge that connects countries, encourages investment, and provides certainty for business operations across borders,” Tiv Dina said.
Additional sessions focused on Gold Taxpayer Status, with officials from the GDT providing regulatory guidance on the increasingly important compliance designation, and on the taxation of director salaries and shareholder premiums, a topic of particular relevance for multinational companies operating in Cambodia.
Strengthening Public-Private Dialogue
The forum concluded with calls for continued collaboration between government and the private sector as Cambodia continues modernising its tax system.
Linda Oum said the strong participation reflected growing engagement between policymakers and the business community.
“I’m proud to see the strong engagement at this year’s EuroCham Tax Forum, which reflects EuroCham’s continued commitment to fostering constructive public-private dialogue and supporting progress in Cambodia’s tax system.”
The Tax Forum forms part of EuroCham Cambodia’s broader efforts to support regulatory reform, improve the investment climate and facilitate dialogue between businesses and policymakers as Cambodia continues to strengthen its fiscal framework and attract long-term investment.
