Phnom Penh — American investors have expressed strong optimism about the future of Cambodia–US trade and investment relations following the 3rd Cambodia–United States of America Public–Private Sector Dialogue held at the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) headquarters.
The meeting brought together key representatives from both governments and the private sector to discuss the investment environment, operational challenges, and progress achieved since previous dialogues.
Presided over by Sun Chanthol, First Vice-Chairman of the CDC, the event was attended by Bridgette L. Walker, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Cambodia, Casey Barnett, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (AmCham), and delegates from the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC), among others.
In a statement, the CDC emphasized that the dialogue demonstrates the Royal Government’s commitment to maintaining mechanisms that support investment operations and foster private sector confidence.
Sun Chanthol expressed appreciation for American investors who continue to expand their businesses in Cambodia, noting that the United States remains the Kingdom’s largest export destination.
Participants from the American business community commended the Cambodian government’s responsiveness to challenges and its collaborative approach. They highlighted that improvements made since earlier dialogues have reinforced investor confidence and strengthened the overall investment climate.
According to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), bilateral trade between Cambodia and the US reached $9.57 billion in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 22.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Cambodian exports accounted for $9 billion (up 22%), while imports rose to $283.63 million (up 46.9%).
Ly Kunthai, President of the Federation of Cambodian Investors, said enhanced collaboration between the government and private sector would further boost trade. He added that the US’s recent decision to reduce countervailing duties on Cambodian goods to 19% is expected to stimulate manufacturing orders and attract new factories.
From January to September 2025, the Cambodian Investment Board approved 546 investment projects, including 214 in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) — a 73% increase over the same period last year. Total investment reached $7.8 billion, up 47%, with China, Cambodia, Singapore, and Vietnam among the top investors.
The US remains one of Cambodia’s key trade partners, ranking second only to China, and both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening economic cooperation for mutual growth.
Also read, Cambodia Plans Nearly $10 Billion Budget for 2026, Marking 8% Rise from 2025
