PHNOM PENH — A high-level delegation from the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) has reaffirmed strong confidence in Cambodia’s economic trajectory, praising government-led economic reforms, expanding bilateral trade, and a decisive nationwide crackdown on online scam operations.
The delegation, led by USABC President and Chief Executive Officer Ambassador Brian D. McFeeters (Ret.), conducted high-level meetings across key Cambodian ministries and government bodies. The mission brought together senior representatives from prominent American multinational corporations, including Ford, Coca-Cola, SC Johnson, Visa, Mastercard, Target, Philip Morris International, Abbott, Roche, and ConocoPhillips.
Expanding Trade and Private Sector Collaboration
During a courtesy call with Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the delegation discussed the steady growth of bilateral economic ties. Cambodian Ministry of Commerce figures revealed that bilateral trade between Cambodia and the United States exceeded $13 billion in 2025, marking a 29.24 percent increase year-on-year.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen noted that U.S. investments—spanning automotive manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology development—directly align with the Kingdom’s priorities for economic diversification. He emphasized that while Cambodia has a relatively small population, its consumer market possesses growing purchasing power.
In a separate session with Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul, the council discussed investment expansion ahead of Cambodia’s planned graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Nimul reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting businesses through trade policy reforms and public-private dialogue. In turn, Ambassador McFeeters voiced the council’s support for Phase I of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy, particularly in human capital development and the digital economy.
Innovation, Science, and Industrial Modernization
The delegation also engaged with Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Hem Vanndy to examine standards, sustainable packaging, digital payments, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) digitalization, and technology transfer.
Minister Vanndy outlined Cambodia’s efforts to enhance industrial competitiveness through the National Research Foundation and improved quality infrastructure.
“Cambodia is laying the foundations for research, technology and innovation to become key drivers of our economic transformation. We welcome partnerships with the U.S. private sector that can strengthen our industries and MSMEs,” said Minister Hem Vanndy.
Praise for Anti-Scam Operations and Public Safety
In a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha, Ambassador McFeeters commended law enforcement agencies for combating illegal online scam syndicates, describing the nationwide crackdown as “a tremendous effort” that has strengthened security and business confidence.
Minister Sar Sokha stated that authorities have dismantled nearly 100 percent of major online scam syndicates, while maintaining enforcement against remaining smaller groups. As part of these ongoing law enforcement measures, more than 300,000 foreign nationals involved in illicit operations have either voluntarily departed or been deported to their home countries.
The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a secure and predictable investment climate for all foreign investors.
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