On 6 March 2025, the Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit 2025 took place at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, marking an essential step in regional economic integration.
The event brought together government officials, business leaders and experts from 26 countries, including ASEAN members and partners.
The summit began with a speech by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, who highlighted the bloc's position as the world's fifth largest economy, with a projected growth rate of 4.8% in 2025.
The PM also highlighted Cambodia's economic resilience and growth potential, which averaged more than 7% a year before the pandemic and is expected to reach 6.3% in 2025.
The summit featured panel discussions on promoting prosperity through trade and investment, developing human capital and building the future of the community of countries. Several ministers and senior officials took part in these sessions.
Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council 2025, presented key initiatives including the creation of ASEAN Business Entities (ABEs), an ASEAN IPO prospectus, digitisation of cross-border trade and strengthening the ASEAN identity.
Neak Oknha Kith Meng, President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, stressed the need to invest in physical and digital infrastructure.
“We are here today to send a strong message to all of us of our common spirit and firm commitment to building and nurturing this Economic Community. We are here today - both our government and the private sector - to work together to find win-win solutions and opportunities in a calm, constructive and fraternal atmosphere,” he stressed.
The event offered numerous opportunities for networking and business partnerships, with over 500 delegates taking part, including 191 international companies and 124 Cambodian companies.
Economic outlook and investment potential
Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasised Cambodia's investment potential, highlighting its strategic location and proactive, business-friendly government. In 2024, Cambodia attracted USD 6.9 billion of investment in 414 projects, a significant increase on the previous year.
As ASEAN aims to become the world's fourth largest economy by 2030, with a projected combined GDP of USD 10 trillion, events such as the Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit play a crucial role in promoting dialogue and strategic partnerships.
Strengthening cooperation
In the face of global economic challenges, the summit reinforced the importance of regional cooperation, positioning the bloc as a beacon of stability and prosperity. By focusing on connectivity, infrastructure and trade, the summit set a clear direction for a more integrated, prosperous and sustainable community.
As Cambodia continues to play an important role in regional economic integration, the summit highlighted the country's strategic advantages, including rapidly improving infrastructure and a proactive, business-friendly government. According to Prime Minister Hun Manet, these strengths make Cambodia an attractive market for investors seeking opportunities within the burgeoning ASEAN economy.
The summit concluded with a strong call from participants for continued collaboration and investment in the community of countries, underlining the immense potential for growth and integration in the region.
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