Cambodia is stepping onto the global stage with a renewed message of confidence, openness, and commitment to long term economic growth. In his first international television interview with Bloomberg, Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed one of the world’s biggest concerns about Cambodia, the fight against transnational online scam networks, while reassuring international investors that the Kingdom remains committed to protecting legitimate businesses and strengthening its investment climate.
The exclusive interview, broadcast from Phnom Penh, comes at a time when Cambodia is facing increased international attention over online crime, regional security, and economic competitiveness.
Rather than focusing solely on security challenges, the Prime Minister used the opportunity to present Cambodia’s broader vision of becoming a safe, reliable, and attractive destination for foreign investment. His message was directed not only at governments but also at multinational companies, investors, manufacturers, and the global business community looking for new opportunities in Southeast Asia.
A Global Platform to Share Cambodia’s Vision
The Bloomberg interview marked Prime Minister Hun Manet’s first international television appearance since taking office, giving Cambodia an opportunity to communicate directly with a worldwide audience of business leaders, policymakers, investors, and financial institutions.
During the interview, Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to maintaining political stability, strengthening the rule of law, and creating a secure and attractive destination for businesses and investors while addressing emerging regional challenges.
His appearance on Bloomberg also reflected Cambodia’s growing willingness to engage with international media and explain its policies directly to the global investment community.
Online Scam Networks Are a Global Challenge
One of the interview’s central topics was Cambodia’s campaign against transnational online scam operations.
Prime Minister Hun Manet explained that these criminal organizations are becoming increasingly sophisticated and operate across multiple countries rather than within one nation alone. He stressed that online scams should not be viewed as a problem belonging to a single country because criminal networks target victims worldwide.
He emphasized that no nation can solve this challenge independently and called for stronger international cooperation regardless of political differences.
“The cooperation to tackle common issues go well beyond geopolitics.”
He added that criminal organizations seek financial gain wherever opportunities exist.
“Network, criminal network can attack countries that they don’t have alignment with political.”
“They can attack both US and China at the same time for the benefit of money from scam operation or drug operation.”
His remarks highlighted Cambodia’s position that international collaboration should take priority over geopolitical competition when combating organized crime.
Protecting Cambodia’s Special Economic Zones
The interview also addressed concerns raised in a recent United Nations report suggesting that criminal organizations have adopted increasingly sophisticated corporate structures and may attempt to exploit Special Economic Zones in parts of Southeast Asia.
Responding to these concerns, Prime Minister Hun Manet assured international audiences that Cambodia has already taken preventive measures.
He explained that security agencies, local authorities, and agencies responsible for overseeing Special Economic Zones have received clear instructions to ensure these investment areas are never used to facilitate criminal activities.
“We have learned from experience from other countries.”
He further warned that any Special Economic Zone found protecting criminal activity would face legal consequences without exception.
“If any SEZ is found to be covering for criminals they will be liable just to the law.”
The Prime Minister also noted that, so far, authorities have found no evidence that Cambodia’s Special Economic Zones have been used in this way, while emphasizing that the government remains vigilant and continues monitoring the situation closely.
Investment Remains Cambodia’s Priority
Beyond discussing security, Prime Minister Hun Manet consistently returned the conversation to Cambodia’s long term economic goals.
He emphasized that Special Economic Zones remain one of Cambodia’s strongest engines for attracting foreign direct investment across manufacturing, logistics, technology, and other industries.
The government, he said, remains committed to expanding business opportunities while ensuring that investment zones operate under strong governance and the rule of law.
“We continue to attract more investment and expansion of the business both in the SEZ and outside SEZ.”
The message was clear. Cambodia intends to strengthen law enforcement while maintaining an open, predictable, and business friendly investment environment that supports sustainable economic growth.
A Commitment That Matters to Investors
For international investors, stability and confidence are just as important as investment incentives.
By publicly reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to fighting organized crime while protecting legitimate businesses, the Prime Minister sought to reassure companies already operating in Cambodia as well as those considering future investments.
He stressed that Cambodia will continue strengthening enforcement efforts until online scam operations can no longer find the country attractive.
“We will make Cambodia become an area that not easy or worth to stay for a scam online.”
“This is what our commitment and we will continue to do so.”
Such commitments send an important signal to manufacturers, logistics companies, technology firms, and multinational corporations that Cambodia is determined to improve its investment environment while safeguarding economic development.
Why This Interview Matters?
The significance of this Bloomberg interview extends well beyond the discussion of online scams.
Bloomberg is one of the world’s most influential financial news organizations, followed daily by global investors, multinational corporations, financial institutions, and policymakers. Appearing on such a platform allowed Cambodia to communicate directly with decision makers who influence investment flows around the world.
Instead of allowing international perceptions to be shaped solely by headlines, Cambodia used the interview to present its own narrative by highlighting ongoing reforms, international cooperation, and long term economic ambitions.
The interview also demonstrated a broader communication strategy by engaging transparently with global audiences and reinforcing Cambodia’s readiness to compete for international investment in an increasingly competitive region.
Looking Ahead
Cambodia continues investing in transport infrastructure, Special Economic Zones, logistics, manufacturing, digital transformation, and trade facilitation. Combined with stronger law enforcement and international cooperation, these efforts are designed to position the Kingdom as a trusted destination for global business.
For businesses and investors, the Prime Minister’s Bloomberg interview offered more than a response to current challenges. It delivered a message that Cambodia remains focused on creating a secure, stable, and competitive investment environment while working with international partners to tackle cross border crime.
As Cambodia continues to strengthen governance and attract quality investment, the interview marks another step in building confidence among global businesses looking toward Southeast Asia for future growth opportunities.