Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant innovation confined to the laboratories of Silicon Valley or the tech corridors of East Asia. It is here, and it is real. As the global economy rapidly embraces digital transformation, Cambodia must be ready—not merely to adapt, but to lead in areas where technology can be leveraged to serve our people and accelerate inclusive national development.
According to global research, AI could contribute an extraordinary $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with countries like China potentially seeing GDP growth of over 26% as a result. While Cambodia’s economic structure and stage of development differ significantly, the promise of AI remains deeply relevant. With targeted efforts, we estimate that AI could boost Cambodia’s GDP by 5% to 10% by 2030, equating to an uplift of $3.35 billion to $6.7 billion—a transformation too significant to ignore.
Cambodia’s economic growth is rooted in resilience. With a GDP of $42.34 billion in 2023 and a projected average growth rate of 6%, our economy is on track to exceed $67 billion by 2030. Our progress has been driven by key sectors such as agriculture, garments, tourism, and emerging manufacturing, all of which are ripe for the integration of AI-driven solutions.
Imagine smart farming systems guiding irrigation and fertilisation, boosting yields for smallholder farmers. Envision intelligent quality control and predictive analytics in our garment factories, enhancing efficiency and global competitiveness. Consider AI-enhanced tourism platforms that offer personalised travel experiences to international visitors, deepening their engagement with Cambodia’s culture and heritage. These are not abstract ideas; they are achievable objectives within this decade.
Already, we see early signals of progress. In 2024, the United Nations Development Programme partnered with Cambodian institutions to deploy AI for poverty mapping—a milestone in data-driven policymaking. Locally, pioneering firms such as dreamsLAB, AI FARM ROBOTICS, and FactoryAI are developing technologies with real-world applications, demonstrating that our private sector is prepared to rise to the challenge.
But let us be clear: the road to meaningful AI integration is not without its challenges. Cambodia must bridge critical gaps in infrastructure, digital literacy, and investment. We need cloud computing facilities, high-speed internet, and secure data systems. We must equip our young people—who represent the heart of Cambodia’s future—with the skills to thrive in a digital economy. Above all, we need a clear, coordinated national strategy for artificial intelligence.
That is why the Royal Government of Cambodia, under the visionary leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, is committed to fostering innovation as a core pillar of our economic development. His Excellency the Prime Minister has consistently emphasised the importance of technology and digital transformation in our long-term national strategies. We see AI not as a substitute for our people, but as a tool to empower them—to raise productivity, to unlock new markets, and to improve governance.
To realise this vision, we will work to build a robust ecosystem for innovation. This includes strengthening public-private partnerships, encouraging foreign investment in high-tech industries, and facilitating knowledge exchange with international partners. We will also introduce policies that support responsible AI development, ensuring ethical use, data privacy, and inclusivity.
Importantly, AI must not be seen as an elite or urban-only agenda. Its benefits must reach our rural communities, our SMEs, our schools, and our civil servants. AI can help us improve the delivery of health services, respond faster to natural disasters, and plan more effectively for climate resilience. The potential applications are as broad as they are impactful.
Cambodia’s digital transformation is not a matter of catching up—it is about choosing a future of our own design. A future where technology serves our national priorities and enhances the well-being of all Cambodians. A future in which we do not merely consume innovation but contribute meaningfully to its development.
The opportunity before us is immense. But time is of the essence. If we act now—with clarity, collaboration, and courage—Cambodia can be more than a passive participant in the AI revolution. We can be a regional example of how emerging economies can innovate for growth, for sustainability, and for the people.
Let us seize this opportunity—together.
