A commemorative photograph of the CDC leadership and the KOCHAM delegation. - Photo: CDC
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has expressed its strong desire to see more Korean investors investing in the country and has requested a delegation of the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (KOCHAM) to help identify high-potential and high-quality investment projects that could be suitable for major Korean corporations.
This was explained by Sun Chanthol, first vice-chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), during a working meeting with a KOCHAM delegation led by Sungsoo Kim, CEO of the Prime Micro-Finance Institution (Prime MFI). The Thursday (Jan 29) meeting took place at the CDC headquarters.
According to a CDC statement, the discussion reflected the robust economic relationship between Cambodia and South Korea, while introducing new mechanisms to address challenges and seize investment opportunities. The meeting not only helped strengthen bilateral ties but also marked a new step toward positioning Cambodia as a leading investment destination for Korean companies.
Chanthol highlighted the importance of the "Cambodia-Korea Public-Private Sector Dialogue”, describing it as an effective platform for listening to and resolving challenges faced by Korean investors in Cambodia.
He added that, on behalf of the government, he encouraged KOCHAM and all Korean companies to report any problems or obstacles they encounter through the dialogue, so the government can provide timely facilitation and solutions.
He emphasised that, as the government’s single-window secretariat, the CDC reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating all foreign investment by providing ease in project registration and implementation.
“Cambodia wishes to see a greater presence of Korean investors and encourages KOCHAM to help identify high-potential and high-quality investment projects suitable for major Korean corporations,” he said.
Kim noted that Korean investors are showing strong interest in the Cambodian market due to the country’s socio-economic development in recent years. He added that KOCHAM will play a key bridging role in conveying the concerns and requests of Korean businesspeople to official dialogue mechanisms, thereby contributing to Cambodia’s continued economic development.
The two parties further discussed key activities to boost confidence and expand business networks, including an Investment Roadshow in Korea, scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. Active participation from KOCHAM is expected to draw new Korean investors to Cambodia.
A monthly working breakfast initiative with all chambers of commerce in Cambodia is also planned, to strengthen networking and exchange economic information.
The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) reported that in 2025, bilateral trade between Cambodia and Korea reached $923.05 million, up 9.8% over 2024. Exports totalled $326.78 million, up 2.3%, while Korean imports were $596.27 million, an increase of 14.4%. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
