AGP Executive Report

National Road 10 Boosts Trade & Tourism: Cambodia officially inaugurated the 198.5-km China-funded National Road 10 linking Battambang, Pursat and Koh Kong, cutting travel times and transport costs and giving farmers a faster route to markets. Food Processing Investment: ADB approved $600,000 for women-led Two Parrots Enterprise and Khmer Milky Food to scale rice flour/noodles and dairy products, strengthen local sourcing, and expand exports. Women in Agribusiness: The same ADB funding highlights how targeted finance can help agribusinesses move from local production toward bigger, more consistent output. Floods After Drought Hit Farmers: Battambang, Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap were hit hard as floods followed El Niño drought, damaging about 72,440 hectares of rice fields and worsening debt risks. Aviation Education Launch: OCIC and WCCI signed to establish WCC International Aero Tech University in Phnom Penh with bachelor’s tracks in aircraft maintenance, airline operations and flight-attendant training. Cyber & Fraud Pressure: Cambodia is stepping up scrutiny of cyber fraud “masterminds,” while a separate report details a major “digital arrest” fraud case involving alleged money laundering routes. Banking Deal for Korean Firms: KB PRASAC Bank and KOCHAM signed an MoU to support Korean businesses with tailored banking, advisory and networking. Energy Storage Milestone: Sungrow completed a Cambodia grid-forming battery storage system with black-start capability, supporting power restoration and grid resilience. Tourism Diversification Push: PM Hun Manet urged Cambodia to broaden its tourism brand beyond temples, promoting islands, mountains and ecotourism, with emergency support for trekkers.

Infrastructure & Logistics: National Road No. 10 (Battambang–Pursat–Koh Kong) was inaugurated, with 20 new bridges and upgrades to 12 others, and PM Hun Manet also pointed to the Funan Techo Canal as a key waterway link for logistics by 2028. Garment Jobs & Wages: Cambodia approved a $2 increase to the 2027 minimum monthly wage for garment, footwear and travel goods workers, setting the base at $212, while unions argue it still won’t cover living costs. Trade & Industry Growth: Cambodia–Belarus held talks on expanding cooperation across nine areas including industry, agricultural/food supply, pharmaceuticals, aviation, finance, science, tourism and business exchanges. Food & Manufacturing Exports: Cambodia reported strong export momentum, with garment exports rising from $7.8B to $11B over four years and rice also increasing, alongside big jumps in tyres and toys/sports equipment. IMF Watch: The IMF said Cambodia’s growth will slow to 3% in 2026 (from 5.3% in 2025), citing energy costs, weaker tourism and remittances, and warned that scam activity and trade uncertainty could further weigh on exports and investment. Compliance Risk in Casinos: The IMF flagged Cambodia’s casino ownership and licensing safeguards as “deficient,” urging stronger fit-and-proper checks and verification of lawful fund sources. Digital & Payments Context: ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to reach $1T by 2030, with e-commerce and digital finance driving growth. Security & Fraud: Cambodia is stepping up efforts against cyber fraud “masterminds,” amid broader regional concerns about AI-enabled election and scam manipulation. Business Expansion: DFI Retail Group plans to expand Starbucks across Vietnam and Thailand and take full control of Starbucks operations across seven Asian markets, including Cambodia.

Garment Wages: Cambodia approved a 2027 minimum wage rise for garment, footwear and travel-goods workers to $212/month (up $2 from $210), with benefits still on top—workers’ groups say it may still fall short of living costs. Macroeconomic Outlook: The IMF projects Cambodia’s growth slowing to 3% in 2026 (from 5.3% in 2025) as energy costs rise and tourism and remittances weaken, warning that trade uncertainty and persistent scam activity could hit exports and investment. Trade & Industry Performance: Cambodia’s garment exports climbed from $7.8bn to $11bn over 2022–2026, while rice and other categories shifted; customs data also points to total trade with major partners topping $50bn in the first eight months. Port & Logistics: Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh ports both posted strong container growth, and customs route differences (green vs yellow) can change processing steps and planning for importers/exporters. Anti-Scam Push: Cambodia’s ACU describes “friend-to-killer” investment romance scams using crypto, with roles split across multiple groups; Interpol also flags romance and sham investment fraud as a growing regional threat. Agriculture Under Pressure: Farmers are calling for more support as climate stress, higher input costs and weak market access squeeze small producers. Maritime Tech Cooperation: Cambodia and Japan signed a plan to strengthen electronic nautical chart capacity to improve navigation safety. Regional Security: China and Laos opened a joint air training/support centre in Laos, expanding China’s overseas military footprint.

Garment Industry: Cambodia’s 2027 minimum wage for garment, footwear and travel-goods workers is set at US$212/month, after the National Council for Minimum Wage voted US$210 (employers) vs US$225 (unions) and Prime Minister Hun Manet added US$2; the new rate takes effect Jan 1, 2027 with total earnings potentially US$229–US$240 including allowances. Workplace Safety: 14 garment workers were injured in Svay Rieng when a container truck rear-ended their bus on National Road 1; two suffered serious injuries and the National Social Security Fund will cover medical costs. Energy & Storage: Sungrow says its 108.4MW/215.6MWh Cambodia EDC Kandal Stueng BESS (GS79) has reached grid connection and full acceptance testing, featuring grid-forming tech for stability and black-start capability. Trade & Investment: Cambodia’s Chamber of Commerce in Paris has been established to boost France ties, market intelligence and buyer access for Cambodian exporters. Agro-Processing: Japan’s Inoue Calcium Corporation plans to buy 2,000–3,000 tonnes of Cambodian raw cashews annually for processing to Japanese standards, targeting higher-value exports. Regional Policy Watch: The IMF cut Cambodia’s 2026 growth forecast to 3%, citing higher energy costs, weaker tourism/remittances, and slower garment exports. Border Tensions: Cambodia rejected Thailand’s UN claims over two border villages, urging joint demarcation via the Joint Boundary Commission instead of “facts on the ground.” Fraud & Payments Tech: Flexport launched an AI freight booking server using a Model Context Protocol approach, aiming to automate tracking, quoting and bookings for logistics customers.

Garment Wages: Cambodia’s garment and textile workers are pushing for a $225 minimum wage for 2027, while employers want to hold at $210, leaving a $15 gap ahead of the National Minimum Wage Council’s Sept. 30 decision. Telecom Modernisation: Cellcard has signed a Huawei deal for about $300 million to upgrade Cambodia’s network, including 5G, fibre, AI cloud and modular data centres. Plastic Pollution Push: The Ministry of Environment and UNDP launched “Plastic Reboot Cambodia,” a four-year plan targeting single-use plastic at the source across Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, with a focus on food, beverage and tourism. Clean & Green Investment: Cambodia and Japan held a space-economy networking symposium and business matching on climate-smart investment, highlighting satellite monitoring and low-carbon projects under the JCM. Regional Trade Policy: The US announced a zero-tariff framework for certain speciality medicines and ingredients from 20 jurisdictions, including Cambodia, even as a broader 100% pharma tariff phase expands from Sept. 29. Economic Outlook: The IMF projects Cambodia’s growth slowing to 3% in 2026 on higher energy costs, weaker tourism and remittances, and risks from scams and El Niño impacts. Business Leadership: blc TEXTILES named Jonathan (Jon) Simon CEO, building on its Cambodian manufacturing ties as it expands textile supply for laundries, healthcare and hospitality.

Diplomacy & Border: Acting FM EAT Sophea met New Zealand’s new ambassador, pledging deeper cooperation and reiterating Cambodia’s commitment to resolve the Thailand border dispute peacefully under international law. Telecom & Digital Infrastructure: CellCard signed a multi-year Huawei deal worth about US$300m to upgrade 5G, fibre, modular data centres and AI cloud capabilities. Macroeconomy: The IMF projects Cambodia’s growth to slow to 3% in 2026 as energy costs rise, tourism weakens and remittances decline. Trade & Pharma: The US published a Federal Register list exempting Cambodia and 19 other jurisdictions from 100% tariffs on select speciality drugs and ingredients, including rare-disease, infertility, cell/gene therapies and ADCs. Food Processing & Exports: Chinese orders are boosting jobs and incomes at a Kampong Speu mango factory, highlighting how quality and hygiene standards are driving demand. Industry Events: MISTI opened FoodTec and PackTalk Cambodia 2026, pushing packaging as the “last mile” to strengthen local supply chains and food value. Security & Enforcement: Cambodia says it is gathering evidence to target scam “masterminds,” as syndicates shift to smaller operations. Environment & Conservation: Cambodia designated its first genetic conservation area for Siamese crocodiles, protecting 315 hectares of wetland in Pursat. Labour: 2027 minimum wage talks head to a final vote after employers hold at $210 while workers press for $225.

Bird Flu Watch: Cambodia reported its sixth human H5N1 case in Oddar Meanchey, with health officials tracing poultry exposure and urging vigilance for symptoms within 14 days. Conservation & Biodiversity: Cambodia designated its first genetic conservation area for critically endangered Siamese crocodiles, protecting 315 hectares in Pursat to safeguard breeding habitat and genetic diversity. Anti-Scam Enforcement: Cambodia says it is collecting evidence against cyber-fraud “masterminds” after dismantling large scam compounds, as critics question whether kingpins are being reached. Trade & Industry Push: The Ministry of Commerce promoted Cambodian processed goods to 23,000+ supermarkets and mini-marts abroad, supporting export growth in the first eight months. Food Processing & Packaging: FoodTec and PackTalk Cambodia opened in Phnom Penh, with a focus on building packaging capacity to help local manufacturers capture more value. Tourism Digitisation: Cambodia’s tourism minister urged operators to adopt AI and hygiene/safety standards under ASEAN’s “Safe and Warm” stamp. Regional Business & Logistics: U.S. firms signaled interest in investing in infrastructure and digital logistics linked to the Funan Techo Canal. SEZ Growth: RGPPS EZ and RGKSEZ reported strong gains in employment, imports, and exports through August 2026.

SEZ Trade Pulse: Royal Group’s Phnom Penh and Kandal special economic zones posted strong momentum in Jan–Aug 2026, with exports rising to $1.907B (+45%) and imports to $2.160B (+61%), while employment climbed to 63,344 (+17%), pointing to expanding manufacturing and deeper supply-chain integration. Tourism Tech Push: Cambodia’s tourism leadership urged operators to adopt digital tools and AI for a “Smart, Safe and Warm” visitor experience, alongside new ASEAN hygiene and safety standards. Gold Exploration Funding: Unity Metals secured $3.5m for drilling at its O’Phlay and Ngot gold projects in Cambodia, with Phase 2 at O’Phlay set to start in early October. Food Trade Deal: Cambodia signed an agreement to export 10,000 tonnes of milled rice to the Philippines, using bulk barge shipping to support regional food security. Cybercrime Crackdown Context: Cambodia reiterated it will not be a “safe haven” for online scams as regional pressure on fraud networks grows. Diplomacy for Industry Links: New Zealand pledged deeper cooperation with Cambodia across trade, investment, renewable energy, TVET and tourism, while Cambodia also moved to establish ties with Niger to expand cooperation in agriculture and commerce.

Cambodia-Philippines Trade: Cambodia signed a deal to export 10,000 tonnes of milled rice to the Philippines, with Commerce Minister Cham Nimul calling it a step up for agricultural exports and regional food security. Tourism & AI: Prime Minister Hun Manet urged Cambodia to use technology and AI as a “bridge” to attract more visitors, while keeping Khmer identity at the core of the travel experience. Energy Security: Mines and Energy Minister Keo Rottanak said Cambodia still holds pre-conflict fuel and gas reserves—covering days of aviation fuel, gasoline, diesel and LPG—while urging responsible consumption. Anti-Scam Crackdown: Cambodia reported blocking more than 53,000 illegal websites tied to online scams, but analysts warn website blocking alone won’t stop criminal networks. Diplomacy for Trade: Deputy PM Prak Sokhonn met Iran and Niger counterparts at UNGA81, discussing cooperation across trade, investment, agriculture, education, culture and tourism. Fintech & Fraud Fighting: Cambodia and the UK signed an MoU to coordinate against illegal scam networks, including data sharing and support for trafficking victims. Environment & Conservation: Cambodia established its first genetic conservation area for the critically endangered Siamese crocodile in Pursat, protecting a 315-hectare nesting habitat. Regional Climate Finance: Civil society urged Cambodia to secure sustainable climate funding ahead of COP31 to support adaptation and a just transition. Global Shipping Safety: India and Liberia launched a 25-nation group to improve safety for commercial ships and seafarers after deadly attacks. Cooling Solutions: UNEP warned that scaling heat-protection tech needs financing beyond governments, as cheaper but inefficient air-conditioners dominate markets.

Cambodia–Philippines Trade: Cambodia signed a deal to export 10,000 tonnes of milled rice to the Philippines, with Commerce Minister Cham Nimul backing the agreement and highlighting its role in regional food security. Energy Security: Mines and Energy Minister Keo Rottanak said Cambodia still holds pre-conflict fuel and gas reserves, listing days of coverage for aviation fuel, gasoline, diesel and LPG, while urging responsible use. Anti-Scam Enforcement: Cambodia reported blocking 53,000+ illegal scam-linked websites, but analysts warn website takedowns won’t stop syndicates unless prosecutions and cross-border cooperation intensify. Climate Finance for Industry: Civil society urged Cambodia to secure accessible, predictable climate funding ahead of COP31, warning that reduced support could hit drought-hit communities and slow resilience planning. Conservation with Economic Value: Cambodia established its first genetic conservation area for the critically endangered Siamese crocodile in Pursat’s Boeung Veal Veng, protecting a 315-hectare nesting habitat. Digital Payments & Trade: Cross-border QR payments are shifting from basic connectivity to real economic value, with Vietnam pushing QR use for tourism, retail and cross-border trade. Cooling Costs: UNEP climate leaders said scaling heat-protection solutions needs financing beyond governments, since cheaper but inefficient air-conditioners still dominate markets. Construction Supply Chain Pressure: A report on Cambodia’s building sector flags that buyers often compare factory prices instead of landed costs, risking delays and margin squeeze when materials move from ports to sites. Tourism Drag on Growth: ADB cut Cambodia’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.9% due to weaker tourism and related services, while expecting a rebound in 2027 supported by manufacturing and investment. Vocational Skills Link: Cambodia and China signed an MoU to elevate vocational training and green skills cooperation. Online Fraud Cooperation: Cambodia and the UK agreed to work together against scam networks, including data sharing and coordination to support victims of trafficking.

Fuel Security: Cambodia says it still holds pre-conflict petroleum and gas reserves, with Sept. 25 inventory plans covering 21 days of gasoline, 15 days of diesel, and 10 days of LPG, urging consumers to conserve amid Middle East-linked supply pressure. Anti-Scam Enforcement: Cambodia reports blocking 53,000+ illegal scam websites, but analysts warn this won’t stop fraud networks unless investigations and prosecutions target the people behind the sites. Digital Safety & Skills: Experts at Cambodia ICT Camp 2026 in Siem Reap push stronger digital literacy to help users spot online risks as AI expands new questions around digital rights. Trade & Retail Access: Cambodia’s Commerce Ministry says it promoted processed products to 23,000+ large supermarkets and mini-marts abroad via 38 transactions and MoUs, aiming to lift branding and market presence. Vocational Training for Industry: Cambodia and China sign an MoU to deepen labour and vocational training cooperation, focusing on green skills and digital modernisation of TVET systems. Environment & Biodiversity: Cambodia establishes its first genetic conservation area for the critically endangered Siamese crocodile, protecting a 315-hectare nesting habitat in Pursat. Economy Watch: ADB cuts Cambodia’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.9% on weaker tourism, while expecting a rebound in 2027 supported by manufacturing exports and investment. Energy Support for Households: Government cash aid is set to reach vulnerable families under a multi-crisis intervention program tied to higher oil and gas prices, with payments scheduled through December. International Cooperation on Fraud: UK and Cambodia sign an MoU to coordinate against scam networks, including data sharing and attention to links with human trafficking. Construction Supply Chain Reality: A report highlights how Cambodia’s construction boom depends on China-supplied materials, but warns buyers about common mistakes like comparing quotes instead of landed costs.

Climate Finance & COP31: Civil society groups say Cambodia must secure accessible, predictable climate funding as it prepares to graduate from LDC status, warning reduced concessional support could hit drought-hit communities ahead of COP31 in Türkiye (Nov 9–20). Biodiversity & Agriculture: Cambodia has designated its first Genetic Conservation Area—a 315-hectare nesting habitat in Pursat—to protect the critically endangered Siamese crocodile, backed by Environment and Agriculture ministries plus Conservation International and local communities. Anti-Scam Enforcement: Cambodia says it is gathering evidence against cyberfraud “masterminds” after hosting a global anti-scam conference, with officials stressing cases need time and proof and urging cross-border cooperation. Digital Skills & Safety: Experts at Cambodia ICT Camp 2026 push stronger digital literacy to help people spot online risks as AI expands new questions on digital rights. Trade, Construction & Retail: ADB cut Cambodia’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.9% on weak tourism, while separate reporting highlights how Cambodian builders struggle when they compare quotes instead of landed costs for China-supplied materials; the Commerce Ministry also says it helped promote Cambodian processed goods into 23,000+ overseas supermarkets and mini-marts. Workforce Development: Cambodia and China signed an MoU to deepen vocational training and green skills, including digital modernisation of TVET systems. Household Support: Government cash aid is rolling out to vulnerable families under a multi-crisis response tied to higher oil and gas prices.

ADB Forecast Cut: The Asian Development Bank trimmed Cambodia’s 2026 growth outlook to 3.9% (from 4.1%) as tourism and related services stay weak, while projecting a rebound to 4.7% in 2027 on resilient manufacturing, export diversification and FDI. Construction Supply Chain Reality Check: A new report warns Cambodian builders and hotel buyers are often comparing supplier quotes instead of true landed costs, with China-sourced materials moving through ports and inland logistics where hidden charges can erase margins. TVET for Industry: Cambodia and China signed an MoU to deepen vocational training and green skills, including digital modernisation of TVET systems and labour market integration. Retail Export Push: Cambodia’s Commerce Ministry says it helped promote processed goods into 23,000+ supermarkets and mini-marts abroad via dozens of deals and MoUs, aiming to lift branding and market presence. Anti-Scam Crackdown—Next Step: Cambodia says it is gathering evidence against cyber fraud “masterminds” as critics question whether senior figures are being reached, stressing legal action needs time and proof. Digital Safety & Skills: Experts at Cambodia ICT Camp 2026 urged stronger digital literacy to help people spot online risks as AI expands new questions on digital rights. Labour Mobility Talks: Cambodia held TVET and skilled-labour cooperation meetings with Finland and France, and separate discussions with Türkiye on ethical recruitment and skills recognition. Mosquito Risk Update: Hong Kong’s health authority released new dengue/chikungunya prevention guidance and updated Aedes albopictus gravidtrap and density indexes across 19 survey areas.

Cybersecurity & Fraud Enforcement: Cambodia says it is gathering evidence against suspected “masterminds” behind large-scale cyber fraud, with anti-scam minister Chhay Sinarith stressing that legal action needs time and proof, while warning that premature disclosure could let suspects flee. International Cooperation: Cambodia’s global anti-scam conference in Phnom Penh drew partners including the US and China, with delegates discussing emerging scam trends, AI, financial investigations, and trafficking networks. Workforce Development: Cambodia’s labour ministry is expanding TVET ties with Finland and France, focusing on partnerships between training centres and private sectors to match labour-market needs. Skilled Migration: Cambodia and Türkiye discussed skilled labour mobility, skills recognition, and protections for migrant workers, with Cambodia highlighting its TVET capacity for manufacturing and engineering roles. Construction & Real Estate: The land management ministry approved auctions of 1,291 vacant plots tied to stalled Leng Navatra housing projects and will accept ownership-transfer applications from Sept 28 to Oct 28. Infrastructure & Urban Resilience: An ADB-backed Techo Sen II radar station inspection reported 26.3% progress, alongside plans for a “Green City” at Phnom Prasith. Policy & Industry: A cabinet meeting reviewed draft official statistics policy, progress on domestic supply chains, and logistics-sector performance. Trade & Growth Watch: The ADB cut Cambodia’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.9% citing weaker tourism activity, while expecting a rebound in 2027.

Anti-Scam Crackdown: Cambodia wrapped up an international anti-scam conference as Deputy PM Neth Savoeun urged cross-border cooperation to tackle tech-based fraud and trafficking networks, while U.S. lawmakers pressed for a sanctions probe over alleged links to scam operations. Economic Outlook: The Asian Development Bank cut Cambodia’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.9% from 4.1%, citing weaker tourism and related services, even as manufacturing exports and FDI help cushion the slowdown. Tourism & Community Tourism: GX Cambodia kicked off in Phnom Penh with 600 participants, spotlighting community-led tourism as a way to rebuild visitor confidence ahead of World Tourism Day. Construction & Safety: A new $3.86m roundabout in Lebanon (Mechanic/High/Mascoma streets) is now operational, aiming to improve safety and traffic flow after the old intersection was demolished. Road Safety for Industry Workers: A workshop urged factories to adopt road-safety policies after worker-transport crashes, citing thousands of accidents involving workers in early 2026. Energy & Industry Transition: Cambodia’s smoke-free push advanced with Chum Kiri becoming the third smoke-free district, supporting cleaner cooking via electricity and LPG—relevant for rural energy demand and household costs. Trade & Logistics: China’s newly opened Pinglu Canal is already cutting shipping times for ASEAN goods, boosting faster movement of items like fertilizer, tea, fruits and seafood. Security & Enforcement: Police arrested seven Chinese nationals and seized about 840kg of suspected narcotics plus firearms and ammunition in Preah Sihanouk, targeting drug and illegal arms trafficking. Climate Risk: New research warns “super El Niño” could drive up heat-related deaths globally, raising pressure on Cambodia’s resilience planning for health and food systems.

Anti-Scam Enforcement: PM Hun Manet opened a global anti-online-scam conference in Phnom Penh, saying Cambodia has dismantled large scam compounds while warning syndicates are shifting to smaller setups and calling for tougher international cooperation and tech oversight. Regional Crime-Fighting: The Lancang-Mekong law enforcement center urged countries to arrest scam masterminds, cut money-laundering networks, share investigation info, and impose severe punishments. Growth Forecast Watch: The ADB cut Cambodia’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.9% from 4.1% as tourism activity stays weak, while expecting a rebound to 4.7% in 2027 on resilient manufacturing and investment. Tourism Demand Pressure: Cambodia’s international arrivals fell 44.4% in the first eight months of 2026, with the government pushing visa relief for Chinese passport holders to boost arrivals. Factory Safety: Road-safety advocates urged Cambodian factories to adopt concrete road-safety policies for worker transport after deadly crashes and persistent accident figures. Clean Cooking Rollout: Chum Kiri district in Kampot became Cambodia’s third Smoke Free District after all 39 villages met clean-cooking standards, cutting firewood use by 75%. Agri-Industry Skills: Japan-Cambodia Association outlined plans for high-value agro-processing (golden silk, tilapia) plus technical training with Toyota for automotive maintenance. Tech Cooperation: Huawei praised Cambodia’s ICT progress and offered support for ICT training, AI for scam detection, and SME digital ecosystems. Climate Risk: New research warns super El Niño heat could drive nearly half a million extra deaths worldwide by late February, underscoring the need for cooling, early warnings, and protection for vulnerable groups.