Cambodian Deputy PM Proposes 3 Principles for Sustainable Investment Environment at China Forum

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the '2026 Gulangyu Forum' Global Business Leaders Roundtable, held in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China, on September 7, 2026 (local time). In his insightful address, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol focused on the critical contemporary business issue of 'Preventing and Managing Non-Trade Risks' in an era where enterprises are expanding their operations internationally. He highlighted that as investment and business venture into global markets, investors and traders not only face financial risks on their balance sheets but are also confronted with numerous external challenges. These include geopolitical tensions, diverse regulatory changes, complex legal systems, disruptions in supply chains, and gaps in understanding between investors, governments, and local communities. Responding to these challenges, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol invoked the meaningful Chinese proverb '未雨綢繆' (wèi yǔ chóu móu), which translates to 'prepare before it rains.' This signifies the importance of market understanding, selecting the right partners, respecting local laws and culture, and building close relationships with the government and host communities. Drawing from Cambodia's practical experience, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol proposed three core 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 emphasized that for the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), the task does not end with project approval but is the starting point for a commitment to accompany investors from the implementation stage through operations and expansion. Cambodia has established regular direct dialogue mechanisms, including the Government-Private Sector Forum (G-PSF), bi-annual Private Sector-Public Sector Dialogue (P-PSD), and the most recent initiative, the 'Open Day with DPM' program, to address investor challenges promptly. 2. Partnership: Successful foreign investment is not solely based 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, preserving the environment, and respecting local culture. He noted that Cambodia has benefited significantly from Chinese investment in manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, and technology sectors, as these projects were built on a 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 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. Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol conveyed a simple yet profound message to Chinese companies and international investors: 'Please come and discuss with Cambodia before investing, discuss during your investment, and continue to discuss after you have invested.' He affirmed that the Cambodian government is 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. Source: CPP Cambodia