Cambodia and US Discuss Strengthening Economic Ties with 13 American Companies Participating

On the morning of July 7, 2026, at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Aun Pornmoniroth, held a meeting with Brian D. McFeeters, President and Managing Director of the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC). The meeting was attended by representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia and representatives from 13 American multinational corporations, including SC Johnson, Ford Motor, ConocoPhillips, Target, Coca-Cola, IMSG, Mastercard, VISA, Roche, RMA Group, Phillip Morris International, Abbott, and S Vriens & Partners, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and relevant collaborators. Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth warmly welcomed Ambassador Brian D. McFeeters and expressed gratitude for the cooperation between Cambodia and the United States in strengthening trade relations and the continued investment of many American multinational companies in Cambodia. Specifically, in 2025, the total trade volume between Cambodia and the United States reached approximately 13 billion U.S. dollars, while investment from the United States increased to approximately 1 billion U.S. dollars. This reflects the strength of the economic and trade ties, contributing to Cambodia's macroeconomic stability and the maintenance of public financial sustainability in the medium to long term. Concurrently, Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth noted the welcoming of all investment opportunities that offer high added value, particularly in priority sectors with high potential, including agro-industry, clean energy, digital, logistics, health, education, and modern technology. Ambassador McFeeters praised and highly valued the efforts of the Cambodian government in continuing to address various challenges. He observed significant progress in Cambodia's investment and business environment during his two years in office, despite the ongoing challenges Cambodia faces. In parallel, the Ambassador requested that all companies operating in Cambodia raise any new challenges they are encountering and encouraged companies seeking investment opportunities to inquire about Cambodia's investment potential. On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth responded to specific requests and various challenges raised by the representatives of the 13 companies. He also briefed them on the significant structural reforms undertaken by the Cambodian government aimed at reducing complex administrative procedures to facilitate business, promoting the digitalization of public services, strengthening compliance to ensure fair and equal competition, and particularly, enhancing cooperation with the government through the "Working Group on Legislation, Taxation, and Governance" mechanism of the Government-Private Sector Forum. This aims to address related challenges effectively, promptly, and with predictability in policy changes. Furthermore, Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth welcomed and advised companies seeking investment opportunities to engage directly with the relevant ministries and institutions responsible for their respective sectors, and for companies already operating in Cambodia to collaborate with these institutions. Following the discussions, Ambassador McFeeters pledged to convey the information and direct observations about the economic situation, particularly the business environment in Cambodia, to Washington D.C. in the United States. This aims to reflect the positive developments and tangible dynamism in Cambodia, thereby attracting investment and business from the U.S. and further strengthening the economic and trade friendship between the two countries. In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth expressed his profound gratitude to the US-ASEAN Business Council, the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia, and the American multinational companies for their participation in promoting and strengthening business, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries, with the aim of supporting Cambodia's medium and long-term socio-economic development. Source: CEN Cambodia