AKP Phnom Penh, March 11, 2026 -- 

Cambodia’s public debt remains at a manageable level and continues to be assessed as “sustainable” and “low risk,” according to the latest Cambodia Public Debt Statistical Bulletin.

The bulletin, released by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) on Mar. 11, showed that as of year-end 2025, Cambodia’s total public debt stock stood at US$13.05 billion, including legacy debt.

Of the total, 98 percent, or about US$12.81 billion, is public external debt, while 2 percent, or US$246.83 million, is public domestic debt.

External borrowing is largely sourced from development partners, with 60 percent from bilateral partners and 40 percent from multilateral partners.

H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister. Minister of Economy and Finance, said in the report that Cambodia’s debt position continues to be carefully managed under a structured public debt management framework.

“Cambodia’s current public debt situation is still assessed as manageable, that is sustainable and low risk,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister added that maintaining debt sustainability depends on a strong management system that includes a legal framework, comprehensive policies and strategies, adequate institutional capacity and human resources, and information technology systems to analyse and monitor debt risks.

In 2025, Cambodia signed US$1.23 billion in new loans, or SDR 890.06 million, representing 45 percent of the borrowing ceiling permitted by law, which is set at SDR 2 billion.

All newly contracted loans were described as highly concessional, with an average grant element of around 39.3 percent. 

The financing has focused on primarily support for public investment projects in priority sectors, aimed at promoting long-term sustainable economic growth and improving productivity.

By Sum Kosal