Senate president Hun Sen called on Japanese companies to increase their investment in Cambodia to help drive economic growth, noting that the current level of Japanese investment in the Kingdom remains limited.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Japanese senator Natsuo Yamaguchi, also president of the Komeito party, on July 16 at the Phnom Penh Senate.

“Despite the large amount of Japanese assistance provided, the Senate president observed that investment from Japanese companies in Cambodia is still limited. 

“[He] wants Japanese companies to increase investment in Cambodia to boost Cambodia’s economic growth,” said a July 16 statement posted on Hun Sen’s social media.

Hun Sen emphasised that the government is working to create a more favorable investment climate.

He noted that Japan has supported Cambodia in infrastructure development, both on land and water, with the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) currently undergoing capacity expansion for large-scale berths.

According to the press release, Yamaguchi assured that he would convey the message to the Japanese government, particularly to the Minister of Public Works, who is a member of the Komeito party, to further develop interconnected infrastructure in Cambodia, which is crucial for attracting investors.

He also expressed his pride in the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between Japan and Cambodia in 2023, which has expanded bilateral cooperation in various fields including military, security, economy, trade, digital technology, investment, cybersecurity and climate change.

Yamaguchi highlighted that there are currently about 4,000 Japanese nationals living in Cambodia and approximately 20,000 Cambodians residing in Japan. He added that, in addition to trade relations, people-to-people exchanges between Cambodia and Japan will further strengthen bilateral ties.