The ASEAN–Cambodia Business Summit 2025 was recently held in Phnom Penh under the patronage of the Royal Government of Cambodia.
This annual event, organized by the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and other relevant Cambodian agencies, serves as a platform for policy dialogue and business networking. The summit aims to introduce regulatory frameworks, discuss investment solutions, and provide recommendations to attract sustainable investment and business growth in Cambodia.
The theme of this year’s summit was “Enhancing Connectivity in Infrastructure, Trade, and People among ASEAN Countries.”
High-Level Participation and Key Discussions
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The event gathered Prime Minister Hun Manet, senior officials from Cambodian ministries and agencies, and more than 400 delegates, including business leaders, scholars, and researchers from ASEAN member states and international partners.
The summit consisted of two main discussion sessions:
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Session 1: Focused on investment attraction and industrial development.
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Session 2: Addressed trade and business cooperation across ASEAN markets.
Representatives from key Cambodian institutions such as the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Information, the General Department of Customs, and the General Department of Taxation participated to answer business-related questions and engage directly with attendees.
Prime Minister Hun Manet’s Keynote Speech
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the importance of the annual ASEAN–Cambodia Business Summit as a driver of regional economic growth. He underscored the crucial role of the ASEAN Secretariatand member states in strengthening regional connectivity for the prosperity of ASEAN citizens.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the summit provides a valuable opportunity to foster dialogue and initiatives for greater ASEAN integration — focusing on investment promotion, trade facilitation, economic cooperation, tourism, and cultural exchange.
“The Cambodian Government remains committed to ASEAN’s vision of cooperation and progress — strengthening energy security, deepening economic linkages, and enhancing people-to-people connectivity for a prosperous and resilient ASEAN,” Prime Minister Hun Manet stated.
He also noted that Cambodia continues to prioritize participation in both bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks, including FTA mechanisms, to expand the country’s economic engagement and visibility in the regional and global marketplace.
Strong Economic and Investment Growth in Cambodia
Despite global uncertainties, ASEAN economies have maintained solid growth — averaging 4.8% in 2024. For 2025, Cambodia projects a GDP growth rate of 6.3%, supported by political stability and an open investment environment.
In 2024, Cambodia attracted USD 6.9 billion in FDI, approving 414 foreign investment projects, a 50% increase from the previous year.
Cambodia’s total foreign trade turnover reached USD 54.74 billion, up 16.91% compared to USD 46.82 billion in 2022.
The Prime Minister also emphasized Cambodia’s efforts to enhance infrastructure, including highways, international airports, and regional connectivity projects, to facilitate trade and economic cooperation across ASEAN and beyond.
As a WTO member, Cambodia upholds its commitment to trade liberalization and aims to become a dynamic regional economy. As part of ASEAN, the country continues to review and remove trade barriers, promoting greater market access and regional integration through free trade agreements and economic partnerships.
Promoting Private Sector and Sustainable Development
Prime Minister Hun Manet stressed the vital role of the private sector in driving national growth. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, policy reform, and public–private partnerships (PPP) to foster an inclusive and competitive economy.
“Currently, 30 ministries and agencies in Cambodia are working together to advance economic, investment, and business development. Cambodia is building an economic ecosystem focused on sustainable energy and long-term growth,” the Prime Minister stated.
The ASEAN–Cambodia Business Summit 2025 reaffirmed Cambodia’s strong dedication to regional cooperation, foreign investment promotion, and inclusive development, paving the way for a more integrated and prosperous ASEAN community.