Cambodian Deputy PM Highlights Risk Management and Sustainable Investment Environment at China Forum

Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol of Cambodia, who also serves as the First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the "2026 Gulangyu Forum" held in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China, on the morning of Monday, September 7, 2026 (local time). The forum was themed "Global Business Leaders Roundtable for Global Investment." In his insightful keynote address, the Deputy Prime Minister addressed the critical topic for the current business world: "Prevention and Management of Non-Commercial Risks," in the context of enterprises expanding their operations on the international stage. He emphasized that when entering global markets, investors and businesspeople face not only financial risks on their balance sheets but also numerous external challenges such as geopolitical tensions, diverse regulatory changes, complex legal systems, supply chain disruptions, and the gap in understanding between investors, governments, and local communities. To address this, he cited a meaningful Chinese proverb, "未雨绸缪" (wèi yǔ chóu móu), meaning "prepare for the rain before it falls," underscoring the importance of market understanding, selecting the right partners, respecting local laws and cultures, and building close relationships with the host government and community. Drawing from Cambodia's practical experience, the Deputy Prime Minister proposed three fundamental principles for fostering a sustainable investment environment: 1. Predictability: Investors require clear laws and regulations. The government has the responsibility to provide transparent laws, stable policies, and reliable institutions. He stressed that the CDC's role extends beyond project approval; it is the starting point for taking responsibility in accompanying investors from the implementation and operational stages through to expansion. Cambodia has established regular direct dialogue mechanisms, including the Government-Private Sector Forum (G-PSF), the Public-Private Sector Dialogue (P-PSD) held every six months, and the most recent initiative, the "Open Day with DPM" program, to address investor challenges in a timely manner. 2. Partnership: Successful overseas investment is not based solely on capital but requires "trust." Companies investing abroad should view themselves as "development partners" of the host country by creating jobs, developing local capacity, transferring technology, protecting the environment, and respecting local culture. He noted that Cambodia has benefited greatly from Chinese investment in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, and technology, as these projects were built on the foundation of mutual benefit and respect. 3. Diversification and Connectivity: In an uncertain world, resilience stems from having multiple options. Diversifying markets, suppliers, production locations, transportation systems, and logistics is essential. Cambodia continues to strengthen its close economic ties with China, ASEAN, and partners worldwide, without requiring a choice between any particular partner, as greater connectivity brings more opportunities and reduces risks. In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister conveyed a simple yet profound message to Chinese companies and international investors: "Please come and discuss with Cambodia before investing, discuss during investment, and continue to discuss after investing." The Royal Government of Cambodia stands ready to listen, assist in managing risks, and work together as long-term partners, because in a changing world, the best defense against uncertainty is "trust," built through dialogue, cooperation, and genuine partnership.