Cambodia is pushing for stronger regional cooperation on digital trade, agricultural exports and private sector development as countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) work toward deeper trade and investment integration. The call was made during a regional consultation on the draft Trade and Investment Strategy under the GMS Economic Cooperation Programme, held at Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce on Friday.

Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce and Chair of Cambodia’s Working Group on Trade and Investment (WGTI), Penn Sovicheat, led a Cambodian delegation to the consultation, which brought together representatives from GMS member countries and international experts from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The discussions focused on how the proposed strategy could reduce barriers to cross border trade, create more opportunities for agricultural exports and help micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) participate more actively in regional and international markets.

GMS stands for Greater Mekong Subregion. It is a regional cooperation programme involving Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The GMS works to strengthen economic cooperation, trade, investment, infrastructure and connectivity among member countries.

Digital trade seen as key to reducing barriers

One of Cambodia’s main priorities is to accelerate the digitalisation of trade. Sovicheat called on the ADB to give greater attention to digital trade as a way to simplify cross border commerce, reduce barriers and create a more attractive environment for investment.

For businesses, greater use of digital systems could make regional trade more efficient by reducing paperwork, improving access to information and making it easier for companies to connect with customers and partners across borders. This could be particularly important for smaller businesses that often face greater challenges when entering international markets.

More opportunities for agricultural exports

The proposed strategy also places stronger regional trade integration alongside efforts to expand export opportunities for agricultural products. For Cambodia and other GMS economies, better access to neighbouring markets could create new opportunities for farmers, food producers, processors and exporters.

Stronger regional cooperation could also help businesses share knowledge, improve their ability to meet market requirements and develop more competitive products for international buyers. The strategy is therefore intended to support trade growth while encouraging closer economic links among GMS countries.

MSMEs at the centre of regional growth

Another major focus is increasing private sector participation, particularly among MSMEs. These businesses play an important role in employment, production and economic activity across the region, but many still face limitations in skills, technology, financing and access to overseas markets.

Sovicheat also stressed the importance of knowledge sharing among GMS countries and proposed targeted capacity building and training for government officials and private sector stakeholders. He said stronger institutional capabilities would help create the conditions for more sustainable economic development.

What could the strategy mean for Cambodian businesses?

If implemented effectively, the proposed GMS Trade and Investment Strategy could give Cambodian MSMEs more opportunities to connect with regional markets and participate in cross border trade. Digitalisation could make it easier for businesses to reach customers and partners, while stronger cooperation could help improve access to knowledge, investment and export opportunities.

For Cambodian entrepreneurs, exporters and other private sector businesses, the bigger opportunity is not simply selling more within Cambodia. It is becoming more connected to a regional market where digital tools, stronger trade systems and improved business capabilities can help smaller companies compete beyond their domestic market.

A framework for deeper regional integration

The proposed strategy is expected to provide a framework for deeper trade integration among GMS economies while helping MSMEs make better use of international market opportunities. The consultation gave member countries an opportunity to contribute recommendations before the strategy moves forward.

For Cambodia, the message is clear: stronger digital trade systems, better support for agricultural exports and greater private sector participation could become important drivers of the country’s regional economic integration.

Conclusion

The GMS Trade and Investment Strategy could create new opportunities for Cambodia by bringing digital trade, agricultural exports and MSME development closer together. If regional governments and businesses can strengthen cooperation, share knowledge and build the skills needed for digital commerce, smaller Cambodian companies could gain better access to markets beyond the country’s borders. The success of the strategy will ultimately depend on how effectively these regional plans are translated into practical opportunities for businesses on the ground.

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Phnom Penh remains Cambodia’s most active real estate market, with strong demand for land, homes, commercial buildings and other property. While land prices in many parts of the capital have climbed significantly, some outer districts still offer comparatively affordable options for buyers with limited budgets. A land price assessment by Key Real Estate for the first half of 2026 highlights several locations where buyers may find some of the lowest land prices in Phnom Penh.

The most affordable areas are largely found on the outskirts of the capital, including Koh Dach in Chroy Changvar, Ponhea Pon and Prek Pnov, as well as several communes in Dangkao and Kamboul. Prices vary considerably depending on whether the land is located along a major road or a smaller road, making road access one of the key factors buyers should consider before making a decision.

Koh Dach and Ponhsang Offer Some of the Lowest Prices

Koh Dach Commune in Chroy Changvar is among the locations with relatively low land prices in Phnom Penh. According to the assessment, land along major roads is priced from $90 to $310 per square metre, while properties along smaller roads range from $20 to $100 per square metre. The difference shows how much road access can influence the value of a property, even within the same commune.

Ponhsang Commune in Prek Pnov also stands out for buyers looking for lower entry prices. Land along major roads is estimated at between $32 and $345 per square metre, while land along smaller roads ranges from $16 to $175 per square metre. At the lower end, this makes Ponhsang one of the areas where buyers may still find land at relatively accessible prices within the capital.

Ponhea Pon and Kong Noy Remain Affordable Options

Ponhea Pon Commune in Prek Pnov is another area highlighted in the 2026 assessment. Land along major roads is estimated at between $70 and $260 per square metre, while properties along smaller roads range from $38 to $80 per square metre. For buyers who do not require direct access to a major road, smaller road locations could provide a more affordable starting point.

Kong Noy Commune in Dangkao also offers relatively modest prices compared with many central parts of Phnom Penh. Land along major roads is estimated at between $100 and $170 per square metre, while land along smaller roads ranges from $30 to $65 per square metre. The lower prices may appeal to buyers looking for land for future housing or longer term investment rather than immediate commercial use.

Kamboul Has Several Lower Priced Areas

Several communes in Kamboul District also appear on the list of more affordable land locations. In Prateah Lang Commune, land along major roads is estimated at between $60 and $295 per square metre, while land along smaller roads ranges from $35 to $145 per square metre. The wide price range reflects differences in location, accessibility and other property characteristics.

In Ou Lok Commune, land along major roads ranges from $70 to $155 per square metre, while properties along smaller roads are estimated at between $50 and $100 per square metre. Boeung Thum Commune presents another relatively affordable option, with land along major roads priced from $90 to $240 per square metre. Land along smaller roads is estimated at between $58 and $135 per square metre.

Why Road Access Matters When Buying Land

The figures show that buyers looking for the lowest possible land prices may need to consider properties away from major roads. In several of the listed locations, land along smaller roads is significantly cheaper than land with direct access to major routes. This could make a substantial difference to the overall purchase cost, particularly for buyers planning to acquire larger plots.

However, a lower price does not automatically mean a better investment. Buyers should also consider road conditions, accessibility, surrounding development, future infrastructure, land title documentation and the intended use of the property. A cheaper plot may require additional spending or may have slower growth potential if access and surrounding development remain limited.

Other Outskirts May Also Offer Lower Prices

The seven locations highlighted in the assessment are not necessarily the only places where buyers can find relatively affordable land in Phnom Penh. Other areas on the outskirts of the capital may also have similar price levels, particularly where development is still expanding and land remains less expensive than in established urban areas.

For buyers and investors, this creates an opportunity to look beyond Phnom Penh’s central districts. Instead of focusing only on current prices, it is important to examine how a location may develop over time. New roads, residential projects, commercial activity and other infrastructure can influence both demand and future land values.

What Should Buyers Check Before Paying?

Anyone considering land in these areas should avoid making a purchase based on price alone. Buyers should carefully verify ownership documents, the legal status of the property, road access, boundaries and any restrictions affecting the land. It is also important to confirm that the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership before making a payment.

Professional assistance can also help buyers assess the property and complete the transaction with greater confidence. Key Real Estate, which is referenced in the original report, provides real estate buying and selling services and has property listings across Cambodia. The company can be contacted at 16 999 519 or 017 999 519.

Conclusion

For people asking where to find the cheapest land in Phnom Penh in 2026, the answer points largely toward the capital’s outer areas. Koh Dach in Chroy Changvar has land along smaller roads starting from around $20 per square metre, while Ponhsang in Prek Pnov starts from around $16 per square metre. Kong Noy, Prateah Lang, Ou Lok, Boeung Thum and Ponhea Pon also offer comparatively affordable options, depending on road access and location.

These prices provide a useful starting point for buyers, but they should not be treated as a guarantee for every individual property. Actual selling prices can vary based on title, exact location, road access, land size, surrounding development and market conditions. For anyone planning to buy land in Phnom Penh, the most important step is to compare locations carefully, verify the legal documents and consider the property’s long term potential before committing money.

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Cambodia’s Government and private sector are working together to address 13 key challenges affecting businesses across manufacturing, small and medium sized enterprises and services. The issues were discussed on August 6, 2026, during the fourth meeting of Working Group “C” under the Government Private Sector Forum in Phnom Penh, with the goal of turning business concerns into practical reforms that can improve the country’s business environment and competitiveness.

The meeting brought government officials and private sector representatives together to examine challenges ranging from access to finance and electricity costs to business licensing, skilled labour shortages, environmental regulations and product certification. Rather than simply identifying problems, the discussions focused on practical actions, including regulatory simplification, digital public services, stronger support for informal businesses and better coordination between government agencies.

Private Sector Highlights 13 Business Challenges

Private sector representatives presented 13 major issues affecting day to day business operations. These included concerns surrounding salt production and imports, access to finance, investment incentives and the cost of electricity, all of which can directly influence business costs and investment decisions.

Other challenges involved business licensing procedures, the implementation of environmental regulations, shortages of skilled workers and difficulties facing the cashew processing industry. The private sector also raised concerns about product certification, the development of enterprises operating in the informal economy and the need to strengthen compliance among online businesses to create fairer competition.

Government Seeks Solutions Beyond Policy

H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation and Co Chair of Working Group “C”, stressed that the Government Private Sector Forum should deliver more than discussions and lists of unresolved issues. He said its real value comes from turning business challenges into practical actions that can be measured and implemented.

“The value of this Government-Private Sector Forum mechanism lies not in the number of issues raised, but in our ability to transform challenges into solutions that are clear, actionable and measurable,” he said.

The Minister also pointed out that business difficulties are not always caused by missing policies or regulations. In many cases, problems emerge when existing policies are not implemented effectively or do not fully reflect the realities businesses face on the ground.

“The challenges faced by the private sector do not always stem from the absence of policies or regulations. In many cases, they arise from the gap between policy, implementation and the practical realities experienced by businesses,” H.E. Minister added.

Discussions Focus on Implementation

The meeting was conducted through open and constructive discussions, allowing government officials and private sector representatives to examine the issues at both technical and policy levels. Proposals were reviewed within the Working Group with the aim of finding workable responses rather than leaving concerns at the discussion stage.

This approach is important for businesses that often face challenges not because a policy does not exist, but because procedures can be complicated, services can take time and implementation may vary across different institutions. Addressing these practical gaps could make it easier for businesses to operate, invest and expand.

Digital Services and Simpler Procedures on the Agenda

The meeting agreed on several follow up measures aimed at making the business environment more efficient. One key area is the continued simplification of regulatory and administrative procedures, which could reduce the time and effort businesses spend dealing with government requirements.

The government and private sector also agreed to accelerate the digitalisation of public services. For businesses, more accessible digital services could reduce administrative burdens and make interactions with government agencies faster and more transparent.

More Support for SMEs and Informal Businesses

Another priority is strengthening support for businesses operating in the informal economy. The initiative is intended to help enterprises move toward greater formalisation while improving their access to support and opportunities.

The agreed measures also include expanding industry driven skills development to address labour shortages. Technical, financial and market support for enterprises will also be strengthened, particularly to help businesses improve their capacity and competitiveness.

Stronger Coordination and Monitoring

Inter agency coordination was another important part of the follow up plan. Better cooperation among government institutions could help reduce duplication, resolve regulatory issues more efficiently and ensure that agreed reforms are implemented consistently.

The Working Group also plans to establish monitoring mechanisms to track whether the agreed measures are actually being implemented effectively. This reflects the broader goal of moving from identifying business problems to measuring the results of solutions.

What Does This Mean for Cambodia’s Business Environment?

For businesses, the significance of the meeting goes beyond the 13 challenges raised. The bigger message is that the Government and private sector are seeking a more direct way to identify problems, agree on solutions and monitor implementation.

Working Group “C” provides a formal platform for addressing policy, regulatory and implementation issues affecting manufacturing, SMEs and services. By connecting private sector concerns with government decision making, the mechanism aims to turn real business challenges into practical reforms.

If the agreed measures are implemented effectively, businesses could benefit from simpler procedures, more accessible digital government services, stronger workforce development, better support and improved coordination between institutions. These changes could also help Cambodia strengthen its competitiveness and create a more supportive environment for private sector growth.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s latest Government Private Sector Forum meeting signals a stronger focus on solving business problems through practical action. The 13 challenges raised by the private sector cover some of the everyday issues that affect business costs, investment, compliance, productivity and growth.

The real test, however, will be implementation. As H.E. Hem Vanndy emphasised, the success of the mechanism should not be measured by how many problems are discussed, but by whether those problems are converted into clear, measurable and workable solutions. For Cambodia’s businesses, the follow through on these commitments could be just as important as the discussions themselves.

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