AKP Phnom Penh, March 04, 2026 --

Cambodia is undergoing one of its most profound economic transformations since the 1990s and is positioning itself as an emerging digital and industrial hub within ASEAN.

The remarks were made by Neak Oknha Kith Meng, President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Chair of ASEAN-BAC Cambodia, at the official opening ceremony of the Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit 2026, held at the Sofitel Phnom Penh on Wednesday morning under the presidency of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.

Neak Oknha Kith Meng attributed Cambodia’s long-term stability and economic progress to the successful implementation of the Win-Win Policy initiated by former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, which brought a definitive end to decades of conflict and laid the foundation for sustained development.

He noted that Cambodia’s international image has evolved significantly, moving beyond perceptions tied to post-conflict recovery or reliance on garment manufacturing. According to him, the country has embraced a strategy of openness and diversification, enabling a structural shift toward higher-value, more resilient economic growth.

Neak Oknha Kith Meng highlighted that Cambodia’s economy is projected to grow by 5 percent in 2026, reflecting not only post-pandemic recovery but also deeper structural transformation. He pointed to Cambodia’s transition toward advanced manufacturing – particularly in electronics and automotive components – supported by a US$10 billion national budget focused on modernisation, competitiveness, and economic sovereignty.

He also underscored Cambodia’s rapid digital progress, citing the World Bank’s Business Ready assessment, in which Cambodia ranked first in ASEAN in financial services with a score of 84.45 out of 100, demonstrating the impact of reforms and digital adoption.

Beyond policy and infrastructure, the CCC President emphasised that Cambodia’s greatest asset is its people. With more than 65 percent of the population under the age of 35, he said Cambodia offers a young, adaptable, and increasingly skilled workforce at a time when many countries face demographic decline.

Looking ahead, he stressed that Cambodia is no longer merely participating in regional growth but is contributing to the shaping of a more connected and unified ASEAN. Building on three decades of economic and human capital development, the country is now focused on fostering a self-sustained economic ecosystem across key sectors.

Neak Oknha Kith Meng concluded by reaffirming Cambodia’s long-term commitment under Vision 2050, emphasising a development path centered on sustainability, innovation, regional integration, and a resilient, nationally driven economic cycle that will allow Cambodia to play an increasingly important role within ASEAN and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) bloc in the decades ahead.

By C. Nika