Cambodia Accelerates Reforms to Cut Costs, Bolster Investor Confidence

PHNOM PENH, May 8, 2026 (KPT) — Mines and Energy Minister Keo Rottanak said Thursday Cambodia is stepping up reforms to reduce business costs, streamline bureaucracy and strengthen public‑private cooperation in a bid to sustain investor confidence amid mounting global economic uncertainty.

Speaking at the Cambodia Investment Forum 2026 themed “Beyond Investment: Strengthening Resilience Through Proactive Aftercare and Strategic Partnership,” Rottanak, who also serves as Third Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), said rapid growth has created new challenges requiring deeper reforms and stronger coordination between government and the private sector.

He noted progress in tax administration, service access and governance over the past decade, but acknowledged businesses still face rising operational pressures. The government is now prioritizing two reform tracks: sector‑specific problem solving between ministries and firms, and a centralized CDC mechanism to tackle cross‑sector bottlenecks.

“We do not want to keep discussing the same problems every year,” Rottanak said, stressing practical solutions over repetitive meetings. He added that cutting administrative delays and lowering costs remain the private sector’s top priorities.

The minister admitted informal fees and corruption continue to hinder growth, pledging stronger measures to curb such practices and streamline approvals. He highlighted efforts to improve Environmental Impact Assessment procedures after complaints over inconsistent timelines and unofficial costs.

Rottanak said ministries are being instructed to reduce bureaucratic layers and work more closely with the CDC to accelerate investment procedures. His remarks come as Cambodia intensifies reform efforts to maintain competitiveness and attract investment despite regional and global headwinds.