Cambodia urged to align investment policies with global energy and AI demand

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 23, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia should adapt its investment policies to match emerging global demand in energy and artificial intelligence (AI), WorldBridge Group chairman Sear Rithy said after attending the Qatar Economic Forum Bloomberg Special Edition in New York. Rithy, who joined discussions alongside the UN General Assembly on Sept. 20, said international investors were increasingly focused on energy supply and AI, creating potential opportunities for Cambodia to attract new foreign capital. “Major investors are shifting their focus toward oil energy and AI. What the government should do is create policies to support the projects they want, which would attract investment into the country,” he told KPT English. The forum brought together senior leaders and representatives of global financial institutions to debate the direction of the world economy. Rithy said diversification, energy security and AI were among the issues receiving significant attention. “Cambodia should develop policies that are responsive to the investment projects being sought by international investors, particularly projects related to fuel supply and AI development,” he added. His remarks underscore the importance of aligning government policy with private‑sector trends as Cambodia seeks to expand investment beyond traditional sectors. AI and emerging technologies have become central to global economic strategies, while energy security remains a priority for investors. Cambodia has already signalled its interest in AI. Prime Minister Hun Manet announced in July that the country would soon adopt a National AI Strategy aimed at boosting productivity, strengthening digital infrastructure and human capital, and creating opportunities for sustainable growth. Rithy said closer alignment with investor priorities could help Cambodia attract more foreign investment and position itself within new global growth sectors. “Adapting policies to investor demand can create the conditions to bring investment into the country,” he said.