Phnom Penh, Cambodia — Cambodia stands to draw stronger interest from Japanese investors, the President of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) said during an official meeting with the Cambodian Prime Minister on 9 February 2026. ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe expressed confidence in Cambodia’s investment potential, particularly in new industrial and green economy sectors, based on the findings of a recent study on the Cambodia-Japan Green Special Economic Zone (C-J GSEZ).
Watanabe met with Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, where he shared insights from ERIA’s research and discussed opportunities to strengthen economic ties between Japan and Cambodia. The study highlights Cambodia’s capacity to evolve into a new industrial production base, a shift expected to contribute to national economic growth and integration into broader regional and global value chains.
According to Watanabe, interest among Japanese companies to expand investment footprints within Cambodia is rising as firms explore competitive destinations for production relocation and diversification. He also outlined plans to organise a Cambodia–Japan Business Forum in the near future to further promote investment linkages and bilateral economic cooperation.
Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the comprehensive study conducted by ERIA. He reiterated the Royal Government of Cambodia’s commitment to the development of Green Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including tailored zones that accommodate different countries and industries. These zones are intended to enhance competitiveness and foster sustainable industrial growth.
Hun Manet encouraged continued collaboration between ERIA and Cambodian ministries, including the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), as well as partnerships with private sector stakeholders in both Cambodia and Japan. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of in-depth dialogue to determine appropriate models for establishing bilateral or trilateral SEZs that match investor needs and national priorities.
The exchange reflects rising momentum in efforts to position Cambodia as a strategic investment destination in Southeast Asia, leveraging its economic reforms, workforce potential, and regional connectivity to attract foreign direct investment from Japan and beyond.
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