Phnom Penh – Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), Sun Chanthol, has encouraged Plenary Group, a leading infrastructure investment company, to consider developing a large-scale convention and exhibition centre in Cambodia, modelled on the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in Australia.
Sun Chanthol led a delegation of Cambodian government officials and private sector representatives from both Cambodia and Australia to observe the operations of the MCEC, which is widely recognised as a premier venue for hosting national and international conventions, conferences, exhibitions, product showcases, concerts, and business networking events.
Partnership Potential with Plenary Group
Plenary Group, headquartered in Melbourne, is a global leader in the development, investment, and management of public infrastructure, particularly through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. With a portfolio spanning hospitals, schools, courthouses, transport systems, and convention centres, the company has delivered projects across Australia, the US, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East, and the UK.
A Cambodian convention centre of this scale, supported by Plenary’s expertise, could serve as a landmark project to strengthen Cambodia’s profile as a hub for international business events, exhibitions, and cultural exchanges.
Investment Climate in Cambodia
The proposal comes at a time when Cambodia is experiencing robust investment momentum. In 2025, the CDC approved 414 investment projects – including 387 new ventures and 27 expansions – representing a total capital inflow of approximately $6.9 billion. Investors hailed from Cambodia, China, Australia, the US, Singapore, and the Cayman Islands, among others.
Sun Chanthol emphasised that the Kingdom’s investment environment, backed by government reforms and incentives, continues to attract global players across multiple sectors. The development of a convention and exhibition centre would add value to the tourism, hospitality, and service industries while positioning Cambodia as a regional meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destination.
Strengthening Cambodia–Australia Ties
Cambodia’s push to engage Plenary Group also reflects growing trade and investment ties with Australia. In the first half of 2025, bilateral trade reached $161.25 million, up 15.7% compared to the same period in 2024. Cambodian exports stood at $111.95 million, a rise of 8.9%, while imports from Australia surged by 46.8% to $49.3 million, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).
Officials noted that a world-class convention and exhibition centre could further facilitate bilateral trade, investment promotion, and business cooperation, while also showcasing Cambodia as a dynamic and globally connected economy.
Also read, Australia’s CIMIC Group Lauds Cambodia’s Investment Climate and Workforce at Sydney Meeting
