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Dec 25, 2023

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Headlines:

Balancing Act in Japan-China Spheres of Influence

Cambodia and South Korea Boost Ties Via FTAs

Amro Projects 2024 Growth

Tourism Development with New Board

Japan Boosts Development with Aid

Concerns Over New Economic Land Concessions

PM Sells Cambodia on Global Investment Stage

Khmer Enterprise Awards Night 2023

Sihanoukville's Terminal Phase 1 Underway

CLV Strengthen Transnational Crime Defenses

Association of Securities Firms Launched

Reassessing Relations with the US and EU

Championing Women's Role in Biodiversity Conservation

Balancing Act in Japan-China Spheres of Influence

Cambodia faces a delicate balancing act in managing its foreign relations with Japan and China, both powerful players in the ASEAN region. Japan's long-standing dominance in ASEAN, marked by technological innovation and quality investments, contrasts with China's growing influence through its Belt and Road Initiative and expanding economic power. Cambodia must navigate these dynamics carefully, taking advantage of opportunities for cooperation and competition. It needs to balance foreign investment influx with domestic sector protection, harness its natural resources and youthful workforce, and address technological gaps and market size limitations. Partnerships, infrastructure development, and educational investments are crucial for Cambodia to thrive in this new competitive landscape.

Cambodia and South Korea Boost Ties Via FTAs

Cambodia is set to attract more Korean investment, leveraging the Cambodia-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) and other accords offering duty-free rates. At the 2nd Cambodia-Korea Business and Investment Forum, Cambodian ambassador Chring Botum Rangsay emphasized the mutual commitment to strengthen economic, trade, and investment relations. The forum facilitated information exchange and discussion of Cambodian investment policies. Both countries, members of RCEP and AKFTA, are focusing on reducing trade barriers and transitioning Cambodia towards a digital economy. Korea is Cambodia's second-largest FDI source, with significant investments across the board.

Amro Projects 2024 Growth

The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (Amro) based in Singapore has forecast Cambodia's economy to grow by 5.3% in 2023 and 6.2% in 2024, driven by a strong recovery in tourism, increased domestic consumption, and healthy foreign direct investment. Despite challenges in the garment industry and real estate sector, Cambodia's economy continues to be resilient. Inflation is expected to rise slightly in 2024, along with economic growth. Amro continues to emphasize the importance of structural reforms and a focus on sustainable growth and resilience against external shocks.

Tourism Development with New Board

Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism, led by Minister Sok Soken, held a meeting with tourism sector representatives to discuss the transformation of the Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board into the Cambodia Tourism Board. The goal of the new Board would be to improve efficiency of public-private partnerships and work to address the evolving needs of the tourism industry. The meeting, which included several tourism associations, focused on finalizing the draft sub-decree for the board, emphasizing the need for a competitive, sustainable, and inclusive tourist destination strategy.

Japan Boosts Development with Aid

Japan has committed $170 million to Cambodia for rural healthcare improvement and other development projects. The funds will support projects like the National Data Centre, digital water supply management, and hydrographic survey vessel construction. Additionally, the leaders discussed development of Sihanoukville Port and agreed on defense and foreign affairs talks.

Concerns Over New Economic Land Concessions

The resumption of economic land concessions (ELCs) is raising concerns about deforestation and land dispossession. From 2001 to 2015, a third of Cambodia's primary forests were cleared, with ELCs being a major driver. The government had halted ELCs in 2012, but recent developments suggest a potential end to the moratorium. These concessions have led to significant environmental and social impacts, including disputes over land ownership and reduced livelihoods for local communities.

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