-test%203%20trebuchet%20National%20Project%20-%20Cambodia.jpg)
PHNOM PENH, 25 September 2023 - As Cambodia continues its ascent to a middle-income country on the back of a successful ASEAN chairmanship and hosting of the SEA Games, it begs the question: where does it fit within ASEAN and the global economy? To help answer this question, ARISE Plus Cambodia joined EuroCham Cambodia and other partners organising a two-day ASEAN-Cambodian Business Summit on 28-29 September, where business and political leaders will come together to explore the opportunities and challenges of further economic integration.
Hosted in Phnom Penh at two of the most luxurious hotels in the city and featuring a premium networking event, the summit will explore the economies of the Mekong Region, bringing together leaders from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam to promote economic integration within the region and the rest of the world.
“This summit marks the completion of months of work to foster regional integration, trade, and enable a favorable business environment for the growth of Cambodia’s economy. We are looking forward to inviting much anticipated speakers to Cambodia to discuss these issues at the highest level, one month after the newly formed Cambodian government will take office. We are very hopeful that this summit will be a landmark,” Martin Brisson, EuroCham Cambodia’s Executive Director said.
During the summit, EuroCham Cambodia will release its 2024 White Book, a comprehensive list of policy recommendations covering 12 sectors, as well as its 2023 Business Confidence Survey, a detailed survey that allows business leaders in Cambodia to candidly describe the climate for doing business in the country.
On Thursday the 28h at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, EuroCham Chairman Tassilo Brinzer will present the White Book to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth. After diving into the White Book, keynote addresses will be given on Cambodia’s investment goals and strategy and EU updates on trade and investment policy with Cambodia.
Minister of Commerce H.E. Cham Nimul will open the afternoon session before presentations are given on ASEAN’s economic and societal progress, the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, and ways to develop strategic partnerships between ASEAN & Europe. On Friday morning, EuroCham will sign an MoU with AHK Vietnam, before presentations on digitalization and a series of sector-specific workshops led by leaders from various industries. Friday afternoon is left free with the option of signing up for a small Tour of Phnom Pen with All Dreams Cambodia.
Mr. Bryan Fornari, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Cambodia and one of the speakers to be featured at the summit, remarked: “We are glad to take part in this initiative that will contribute to identify relevant investment opportunities and new sectors with local added value for the economic development of Cambodia, as it seeks to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2027. The partnership with the Private Sector remains crucial and we are keen to explore this engagement under the framework of the Global Gateway, promoting investments in quality infrastructure and connecting goods, people and services in a sustainable way”.
EuroCham is proud to partner with ARISE Plus Cambodia and the European Union Delegation to Cambodia to organise the event. Both organisations bring expertise and insight into Cambodia’s policies and its trade relations with the European Union.
Mr. Kha Sok, ARISE Plus Trade Advisor, said: “We are delighted to join this partnership to bring such an important Summit to happen in Cambodia. The region has made significant efforts in promoting integration and connectivity, with various initiatives such as bilateral and regional trade deals and the rise of cross-border trade volume in overall and digital trade in particular. It is crucial for all economic players to have a robust understanding of its opportunities and challenges, and foster cooperation to address all the bottlenecks reaping the benefits.
The Summit will bring a good mix of practitioners and experts to provide many great knowledge and practical insight and provide an excellent opportunity to exchange and explore on trade and investment potential of Cambodia and the region.”
____________________________________________________________________________________________
About EuroCham Cambodia:
The European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham Cambodia) was created in 2011 by French, German and British business associations in Cambodia to act as the official chamber of the European business community in the Kingdom. Since then, it has grown to over 300 members and 5 national chapters, comprising 11 European countries. EuroCham Cambodia's core activities are to promote, support and represent its members and European business interests in dialogue with the Royal Government of Cambodia, with the aim of developing a more efficient and fertile business and investment environment for all.
EuroCham's key objectives are to:
• Consult & advocate on key issues related to doing business in Cambodia;
• Promote investment to Cambodia
• Work to improve access for European business to the Cambodian market, and vice-versa; and facilitate business between small and medium size companies of Cambodia and EU Member States;
• Provide services relating to economic, legal, technical, financial, market and other business issues in the EU and Cambodia and industry specific information to investors;
• Promote a strong European Union business identity vis-à-vis the Cambodian business community;
• Work closely with Cambodian stakeholders in supporting inclusive and sustainable growth of the Cambodian economy.
For more information, please contact: pr.officer@eurocham-cambodia.org
About ARISE Plus Cambodia:
The ARISE Plus Cambodia project, co-funded by the EU and BMZ and implemented by GIZ, is set to support greater connectivity and economic integration between Cambodia and the rest of ASEAN through implementing the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025 and strengthening institutional capacity.
The project focuses on three main intervention areas, including (1) improving customs, trade facilitation and standards, (2) strengthening Institutional capacities and improving regulatory practices, and (3) enhancing private sector engagement, notably of SMEs, and preparedness for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
For more information:
Website: www.cambodia-ariseplus.asean.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/arisepluskh
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/37221412
