Prime Minister Hun Manet speaks at the ‘Cambodia-Japan Business Forum’ on May 29. STPM
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has invited on Japanese investors to visit Kingdom in person to better assess the country’s potential and explore investment opportunities. He also encouraged the establishment of a Japanese Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Cambodia.
Speaking at the “Cambodia-Japan Business Forum”, organised by the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) in cooperation with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the ASEAN-Japan Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC) and Mizuho Bank in Tokyo, Japan, on the evening of May 29, Manet highlighted the longstanding and strong diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan over the past seven decades.
He emphasised that the elevation of bilateral ties to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” in 2023 demonstrated a deep commitment to cooperation across all sectors.
He stated that the government and people of Japan have played an important role not only in Cambodia’s peacebuilding, human resource development and social-economic infrastructure development, but have also become an indispensable partner to Cambodia.
The prime minister explained that the forum would help Japanese investors obtain more detailed and accurate information about Cambodia, while also facilitating business-to-business connections that may attract more Japanese investors to visit Cambodia in search of mutual growth opportunities.
The forum was attended by businessmen and women from both nations, as well as senior trade envoys. STPM
“After this forum, participants will be able to explore opportunities for building relationships. We also hope that you will have the chance to visit Cambodia. For those who have not yet been there, we can say that hearing or reading about it a hundred times cannot compare to seeing it with your own eyes. Cambodia always warmly welcomes you, and we hope you will find opportunities for mutual growth,” he said.
Manet also spoke about the changing global economic landscape but noted that Cambodia-Japan relations remain strong across all areas and show continued positive momentum.
In 2024, bilateral trade exceeded $2 billion, reflecting the growing market connectivity between the two countries. Japanese investor confidence is evident through continued expansion and reinvestment in Cambodia. This strong partnership is exemplified by the success of leading Japanese companies in Cambodia, such as Toyota, Honda and Aeon.
“Japanese investors are leaders in terms of depth, quality and long-term impact — not only bringing capital but also technology, skills, high standards and quality that help elevate Cambodia’s industries and promote sustainable growth. We view Japan not only as a trade partner but also as a trusted contributor to Cambodia’s future competitiveness and resilience. Japan currently stands as one of Cambodia’s most prominent investors, with a strong presence in key sectors such as automotive, electronics and infrastructure,” said the prime minister.
“More and more Japanese companies are seeking and achieving success in Cambodia, showing that the country is not just a destination for investment but also a place for long-term growth and prosperity,” he added.
Kith Meng, CCC president and Chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council for Cambodia, noted that Japan has provided Cambodian businesses with access to a large domestic consumer market for their high-quality products and resources. Japan has also brought diversity, advanced technology and a culture of innovation to Cambodia.
He described the Cambodian government as strongly committed to attracting and supporting foreign investment, including allowing 100% foreign ownership of companies.
“For Japanese businesses, Cambodia offers a growing and dynamic market. The young and increasingly skilled workforce is ready to contribute to development. Cambodia's strategic location in the heart of ASEAN offers access to a massive regional market of hundreds of millions of consumers, along with existing free trade agreements,” he said.
On May 29, the prime minister also held discussions with Professor Watanabe Tetsuya, president of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and his associates, regarding an ongoing study into establishing a Japanese SEZ in Cambodia.
During the meeting, Watanabe explained the findings of the feasibility study. He also highlighted key points and specific requirements necessary for establishing such a model economic zone.
Manet praised the ERIA’s efforts in conducting the study. He encouraged the institute to continue engaging with relevant government institutions in Cambodia to further explore the process and development of the proposed SEZ.
Sam Soknoeun, chairman of Sam SN Group, participated in the “Cambodia-Japan Business Forum”. On May 30, he told The Post how SEZs play an important role in attracting and encouraging investors of various nationalities.
He explained that if Cambodia had Japanese economic zones, it would attract even more Japanese investment. Specifically, investment in SEZs by Chinese investors has already helped to draw a large number of Chinese investors to Cambodia.
He added that SEZs typically offer a range of conveniences for investors. These zones are often equipped with necessary infrastructure such as roads, power supply and a “One Window Service Office” that simplifies administrative procedures, meeting the operational needs of factory owners and enterprises.
“All business activities within SEZs are streamlined for investors — from the importation of raw materials, all the way to exporting goods to international markets. We are actively working to promote the establishment of a Japanese Economic Zone in Cambodia,” he said.
