Private Sector Drives Cambodia’s Future Growth

Cambodia’s path toward sustainable economic growth is increasingly tied to the strength of its private sector, which continues to play a central role in generating wealth, creating jobs, and adding value across industries.

Speaking at the finals of the InnoLab Kampong Thom project, Vongsey Vissoth emphasized the importance of business activity as a foundation for long term national development. He highlighted how entrepreneurs and enterprises not only stimulate economic momentum but also provide opportunities for millions of Cambodians to improve their livelihoods. His message was clear that a strong private sector is not just beneficial but essential for the country’s future stability and prosperity.

Entrepreneurs as the Engine of Economic Growth

At the heart of this progress are entrepreneurs, described as the driving force behind the private sector’s expansion. Reflecting on the success of the InnoLab Kampong Thom initiative, Vissoth pointed to the value of equipping business owners with practical skills, innovation, and technology that allow them to scale their operations. The program, which supported entrepreneurs, traders, producers, and family run businesses, demonstrated how targeted training and mentorship can transform small enterprises into competitive and sustainable ventures. By strengthening these capabilities, Cambodia is building a new generation of business leaders who can adapt to changing market demands and contribute more effectively to economic growth.

Building Skills and Expanding Opportunities

A key factor behind the private sector’s importance lies in its ability to absorb and employ a large share of the workforce. With approximately 9.5 million active workers compared to a much smaller public sector, the private sector serves as the primary engine for job creation and income generation.

Vissoth reinforced this point, stating, “I still believe that the private sector remains the driving force of long-term national economic development, as it plays a vital role in creating wealth, jobs, and added value, with entrepreneurs serving as the leaders or ‘generals’ of the sector,” said Vissoth, who also heads the Royal Government Working Group in Kampong Thom province. By investing in entrepreneurship and workforce development, Cambodia is positioning itself to unlock broader economic opportunities and reduce reliance on public sector employment.

Creating a Strong Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Beyond individual businesses, the broader ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship is equally important. Vissoth stressed that building a vibrant and inclusive business environment will enable entrepreneurs to thrive and expand their impact. This includes fostering innovation, encouraging creativity, and integrating technology into business operations. Initiatives like InnoLab Kampong Thom are helping to create this ecosystem by combining practical business training with modern tools and ideas. When entrepreneurs are equipped with the right resources and support, they become more capable of driving growth not only for their own enterprises but also for the wider economy.

Toward a More Self Reliant and Competitive Economy

Strengthening the private sector is also closely linked to Cambodia’s ambition to become more self reliant and resilient in the face of global challenges. Vissoth highlighted that empowering capable and innovative entrepreneurs will help the country build a stronger economic foundation, where businesses can produce goods, create value, and compete both locally and internationally.

This vision aligns with the broader national development strategy under Hun Manet, which aims to transform provinces such as Kampong Thom into dynamic hubs for investment, trade, and tourism. By encouraging local enterprise and attracting investment, Cambodia is laying the groundwork for balanced and inclusive growth.

Conclusion

The private sector stands at the center of Cambodia’s long term economic vision, driving job creation, innovation, and national prosperity. By empowering entrepreneurs, investing in skills, and building a supportive business ecosystem, the country is creating the conditions needed for sustainable growth. As Cambodia continues to strengthen its private sector, it moves closer to achieving a more resilient, self reliant, and competitive economy that can deliver lasting benefits for its people.

Promoting Local Products at the Community Level

The Ministry of Commerce has brought its ‘National Product Campaign #MadeInCambodia’ to life in Kandal Province, turning the riverside park in Ta Khmau city into a vibrant space for showcasing locally made goods. The initiative is designed to encourage both retail and wholesale support for Cambodian products, giving farmers, producers, and small businesses a stronger platform to reach consumers. By creating a direct connection between local producers and buyers, the campaign highlights the value of choosing homegrown products while strengthening domestic trade.

Strong Participation Across Sectors

The event was led by Tor Pila and Khon Sereiratha, drawing wide participation from government representatives, local authorities, traders, business owners, and handicraft producers. Supermarkets, malls, and mini marts also played a key role, reflecting a coordinated effort across both public and private sectors. This broad involvement shows a growing commitment to supporting Cambodian products and ensuring they gain visibility in everyday marketplaces.

Nationwide Support for Cambodian Goods

The ‘National Product Campaign #MadeInCambodia’ has already gained strong momentum nationwide, with more than 400 supermarkets, malls, and mini marts joining the initiative. This expanding network allows local products to reach a wider audience, making it easier for consumers across the country to access and support domestically produced goods. The campaign not only promotes consumption within Cambodia but also aims to strengthen the country’s export potential by building recognition and trust in local brands.

Encouraging Pride in Local Production

At its core, the campaign goes beyond sales and marketing by fostering a sense of national pride. It encourages people to support Cambodian farmers and producers while celebrating the quality and uniqueness of local products. By promoting the idea of choosing locally made goods, the initiative reinforces a shared commitment to economic growth and national identity. It also provides small businesses with valuable exposure, helping them expand and compete in a rapidly evolving market.

Ongoing Effort to Boost Market Opportunities

The campaign is not a one time event but part of a sustained effort that runs for one week each month throughout the year. This regular schedule ensures continuous promotion and creates ongoing opportunities for businesses to showcase their products in supermarkets, traditional markets, and mini marts. By maintaining consistent engagement, the Ministry of Commerce is helping to build long term demand for Cambodian goods while supporting local enterprises in reaching new customers.

Conclusion

The ‘Made in Cambodia’ campaign in Kandal reflects a strategic push to strengthen domestic consumption, empower local producers, and expand market access for Cambodian products. Through strong collaboration and nationwide participation, the initiative is creating meaningful opportunities for businesses while encouraging consumers to support their own economy. As the campaign continues to grow, it is set to play an important role in shaping a more resilient and self sustaining market for Cambodia.

Strong Growth Despite Rising Pressures

Cambodia’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience even as it faces a mix of global and domestic challenges, according to the latest Business Outlook 2026 report released by the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia. The findings highlight that economic momentum remains intact despite growing pressures from geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East and ongoing border concerns with Thailand. At the same time, issues such as industrial scale online scams, rising fuel costs, and supply chain disruptions have contributed to higher consumer prices. Increased airfares have also affected tourism flows, adding another layer of complexity to the country’s economic landscape.

Reform Urged to Sustain Long Term Growth

While the overall outlook remains positive, the report emphasizes that current growth levels may not be enough to meet Cambodia’s long term development ambitions. It calls for strategic reforms, including the need to strengthen trade relations with the United States through a reciprocal agreement that could help safeguard exports and improve productivity.

Speaking on his final day as AmCham president, Casey Barnett underscored the importance of reform, stating, “The Cambodian economy is strong and resilient despite the challenges. However, if we want to achieve high-income status by 2050, reforms are needed, particularly to reduce excessive red tape and licensing requirements,” he said. His remarks reflect a broader consensus within the business community that policy adjustments are necessary to unlock the next phase of growth.

Business Confidence Remains Steady

Despite uncertainties, business sentiment in Cambodia remains largely optimistic. The report shows that 63 percent of surveyed companies plan to invest in the coming year, while about half expect profit growth. However, there are signs of caution as well, with the proportion of firms anticipating declining profits rising from 20 percent in 2025 to 34 percent in 2026. This shift suggests that while confidence remains, businesses are becoming more mindful of potential risks and market volatility in the near future.

Improvements in Tax Administration

One of the more encouraging developments highlighted in the report is the improvement in tax administration. The General Department of Taxation has made notable progress by streamlining audit procedures, increasing transparency, and strengthening engagement with the private sector through regular consultations. Businesses have responded positively to these changes, noting that faster and more efficient processes have helped reduce disputes and improve overall trust in the system. These efforts are seen as an important step toward creating a more supportive and predictable business environment.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s economy continues to hold steady in the face of evolving challenges, supported by strong fundamentals and ongoing improvements in governance. However, the path toward long term prosperity will depend on the country’s ability to implement meaningful reforms and adapt to changing global conditions. By addressing structural issues and strengthening international partnerships, Cambodia can build on its resilience and move closer to achieving its high income ambitions in the decades ahead.

Updated Policy to Reinforce Financial Stability

The National Bank of Cambodia has introduced an updated framework for emergency liquidity assistance, commonly known as the lender of last resort protocol, in a move designed to strengthen the resilience of Cambodia’s banking sector. This newly issued regulation replaces the earlier framework established in March 2015 and reflects a more modern and structured approach to managing financial risks. By refining how emergency support is provided to financial institutions, the central bank is reinforcing its commitment to maintaining stability across the financial system while preparing for potential economic uncertainties.

Clear Mechanism for Emergency Support

At the core of the updated framework is a clear and structured mechanism that allows deposit taking banking and financial institutions to access emergency liquidity when facing short term financial pressure. The NBC explained the purpose of the policy, stating, “The purpose of this Prakas is to establish a framework for providing emergency liquidity assistance as a sound option for deposit-taking banking and financial institutions, which will serve as an effective mechanism to mitigate risks and maintain financial stability,” the NBC said. This system ensures that institutions experiencing temporary liquidity shortages have a reliable safety net, helping to prevent disruptions that could spread across the broader financial sector.

Preventing Systemic Risks in the Banking Sector

The revised protocol is designed not only to support individual institutions but also to safeguard the entire banking system from systemic risks. Under this approach, banks facing liquidity challenges can request assistance as a last resort, ensuring that financial stress does not escalate into a wider crisis. By providing this controlled access to emergency funds, the NBC aims to maintain confidence in the financial system while protecting depositors and investors. This proactive stance highlights the importance of strong regulatory oversight in preserving economic stability.

Modernising Cambodia Financial Infrastructure

The transition from the 2015 framework to the updated 2026 version signals a broader effort to modernise Cambodia’s financial infrastructure. As the economy continues to evolve, the NBC is adapting its policies to align with international standards and best practices. The central bank will continue to act as a supervisory authority, ensuring that any emergency liquidity support is delivered responsibly, with strict conditions and effective risk management principles in place. This modernised approach enhances transparency and accountability within the financial system.

Banking Sector Shows Steady Growth

Recent data indicates that Cambodia’s banking sector remains stable and continues to grow, providing a strong foundation for these regulatory improvements. In 2025, outstanding loans increased by 4.1 percent year on year, reaching 63 billion US dollars, while customer deposits rose significantly by 14.7 percent to 65.7 billion US dollars. These figures demonstrate growing confidence in the financial system and highlight the importance of having robust safeguards such as the updated lender of last resort framework in place.

Conclusion

The National Bank of Cambodia’s updated emergency liquidity framework marks a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s financial resilience. By providing a clear and structured safety mechanism for banks while maintaining strict oversight, the NBC is ensuring that the financial system remains stable and capable of withstanding future challenges. As Cambodia’s banking sector continues to expand, these reforms will play a crucial role in sustaining confidence and supporting long term economic growth.

Government Moves to Reduce Pressure on Households

The Royal Government of Cambodia has stepped in to ease the rising cost of living by cutting additional taxes on gasoline and diesel, offering much needed relief to citizens facing higher global fuel prices. The decision, announced under the leadership of Hun Manet, reflects a proactive approach to support everyday livelihoods as energy costs continue to climb worldwide. By lowering the tax burden, the government aims to stabilize domestic fuel prices and reduce financial strain on families and businesses that rely heavily on transportation and logistics.

Continued Subsidies and Price Support Measures

Alongside the tax reductions, the government will maintain its fuel subsidy of 6.5 US cents per litre, ensuring that consumers continue to benefit from direct price support. An additional reduction of 1 US cent per litre will also remain in place due to persistently high international oil prices, with gasoline exceeding 90 US dollars per barrel and diesel surpassing 100 US dollars per barrel. Import duties on fuel will continue to stay at zero, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to keeping fuel costs manageable during a volatile global energy market.

Significant Tax Cuts on Fuel Products

To strengthen these efforts, the government has taken further steps by reducing additional taxes on both gasoline and diesel to zero. The special tax on diesel has been cut from 4 percent to zero, while the value added tax on gasoline and diesel has been lowered from 10 percent to 4 percent, with the remaining 6 percent absorbed by the state. These measures represent a substantial fiscal intervention designed to cushion the impact of rising oil prices and maintain economic stability across key sectors.

Updated Fuel Prices Take Effect

Following the implementation of these policies, new fuel prices came into effect from March 20, 2026 and will remain in place until further notice. Regular gasoline is now priced at 5,400 Riel, approximately 1.35 US dollars per litre, while diesel stands at 6,700 Riel, or about 1.67 US dollars per litre. These adjusted prices reflect the combined impact of subsidies, tax reductions, and government intervention aimed at protecting consumers from global price fluctuations.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s decision to cut fuel taxes and maintain subsidies highlights a clear commitment to supporting its people during a period of rising global energy costs. By absorbing part of the tax burden and stabilizing fuel prices, the government is helping to ease daily expenses while safeguarding economic activity. As global oil markets remain unpredictable, these measures provide a crucial buffer that supports both households and businesses across the country.

Source: AKP