Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodia’s rising profile in ASEAN and the global economy is about to be underscored with a major business summit in the capital, Phnom Penh. EuroCham Cambodia, in collaboration with other partners, has announced a two-day ASEAN-Cambodian Business Summit on 28-29 September 2023. The summit, described by EuroCham Cambodia’s executive director Martin Brisson as a “landmark,” is designed to address the challenges and opportunities Cambodia faces in its quest for further economic integration within the Mekong Region and beyond.
The prestigious summit will be hosted at two of the most luxurious hotels in Phnom Penh, namely Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra and Hyatt Regency. It will bring together political and business leaders from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. The event’s schedule promises intense networking and thought-provoking discussions. The meeting is planned one month after the newly formed Cambodian government takes office, an occasion that adds to the significance of the event.
This summit marks the completion of months of work to foster regional integration, trade, and enable a favorable business environment for the growth of Cambodia’s economy. We are very hopeful that this summit will be a landmark, Brisson said.
EuroCham Cambodia’s Release of Its 2023 White Book
A key part of the summit will be EuroCham Cambodia’s release of its 2023 White Book, a detailed list of policy recommendations covering 13 sectors, presented to the newly elected Cambodian government. The organization will also launch its 2023 Business Confidence Survey, allowing Cambodian business leaders to candidly assess the business climate in the country.
High-level ASEAN Secretariat representatives will join top business figures and Cambodian government officials in discussing the Mekong region’s role in ASEAN integration, trade relations between ASEAN and the European Union, regional infrastructure, investment opportunities, and digitalization.
The Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Cambodia, Mr. Bryan Fornari, hailed the initiative, noting that it aligns with Cambodia’s efforts to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2027. The partnership with the Private Sector remains crucial, and we are keen to explore this engagement under the framework of the Global Gateway, promoting investments in quality infrastructure and connecting goods, people, and services in a sustainable way, he said.
The summit’s partners, ARISE + Cambodia and the European Union Delegation to Cambodia, bring to the event deep insights into Cambodia’s policies and trade relations with the EU. Mr. Kha Sok, ARISE Plus Trade Advisor, remarked on the summit’s importance, saying, It is crucial for all economic players to have a robust understanding of its opportunities and challenges, and foster cooperation to address all the bottlenecks reaping the benefits.
A Focus on Cambodia’s Newly Formed Government
The summit will conclude on Friday, with a focus on Cambodia’s newly formed government and business opportunities within the Kingdom. Participants will learn through the experiences of successful entrepreneurs and business owners. The remainder of the day is reserved for attendees to explore Phnom Penh or engage in customized business meetings.
Additionally, the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham Cambodia), created in 2011, seeks to act as the official chamber of the European business community in Cambodia. The Delegation of the European Union to Cambodia, a full-fledged diplomatic mission, is responsible for all policy areas and is one of Cambodia’s biggest trading partners. ARISE Plus Cambodia, co-funded by the EU and BMZ, is set to support greater connectivity and economic integration between Cambodia and the rest of ASEAN.
The ASEAN-Cambodian Business Summit stands as a significant step in fostering regional connectivity and enhancing the business environment in Cambodia. By bringing together influential leaders, experts, and policy-makers, it aims to pave the way for further economic growth in the country and the region.
For more information about EuroCham Cambodia, ARISE Plus Cambodia, and the European Union Delegation to Cambodia, please refer to their respective websites and social media channels.
The official event website for tickets and detailed information is available at https://tinyurl.com/yc3cd593.
