Cambodia and US-ASEAN Business Council Pledge Closer Cooperation to Attract American Investors

The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) confirmed on July 22 its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) to attract American investment. Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the CDC, Sun Chanthol, welcomed a delegation led by US-ABC President and CEO Brian D. McFeeters, highlighting the CDC's role and achievements in investment promotion. Sun Chanthol noted the record increase in the approval of investment projects in 2024-2025. He also cited key bilateral achievements with the United States, including the signing of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), the Air Transport Agreement/Open Skies (signed on June 30, 2026, in Washington D.C.), and financial support from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for infrastructure development at Techo International Airport. The Cambodian government outlined its ongoing dialogue mechanisms with the private sector to address challenges effectively, such as the Government-Private Sector Forum (G-PSF), the Private Sector-Public Sector Dialogue Platform (P-PSD), and the Private Sector-Public Sector Business Breakfast (P-PSBB). A new initiative, "Open Day with DPM," was also introduced to allow investors direct consultation opportunities. Furthermore, Sun Chanthol emphasized internal reforms within the CDC to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and attractiveness of investment facilitation services, aiming to improve the business environment and competitiveness within the ASEAN region. In response, Brian D. McFeeters expressed deep gratitude for the warm welcome and the comprehensive and essential information provided regarding investment opportunities and policies in Cambodia. He highly valued the official business visit, noting its fruitful outcomes and the establishment of close ties between American companies and Cambodian state institutions. Member companies of US-ABC also shared positive views on the CDC's proactive efforts and engaged in robust discussions on future directions based on Cambodia's broad economic potential. Both sides expressed a strong shared commitment to further strengthen close cooperation, build direct networks between the CDC and US-ABC, and jointly promote regular exchange of investment information to attract more American investors to Cambodia, thereby fostering sustainable economic development and mutual benefit for both nations.