EuroCham Urges Red Tape Cuts to Boost Cambodia’s Business Climate

PHNOM PENH, May 26, 2026 (KPT) — The European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham) has urged stronger efforts to cut bureaucratic red tape and accelerate digital reforms, warning that excessive procedures and overlapping regulations continue to slow investment and weaken competitiveness.

In its White Book 2027, EuroCham highlighted complex approval processes, unclear requirements and reliance on third‑party service providers as major obstacles for businesses. The chamber said unnecessary bureaucracy creates costly delays for both local and international firms.

As part of its advocacy, EuroCham launched an upgraded digital platform, the Live Advocacy Compass, offering real‑time updates on policy recommendations and regulatory discussions. The platform also features a “Red Tape” campaign aimed at identifying bottlenecks and promoting reforms to streamline interactions between businesses and public institutions.

EuroCham said simplification, digitalisation and stronger coordination among ministries could significantly improve competitiveness in logistics, taxation, export procedures and business registration.

Reforms such as reducing paperwork, improving record‑keeping and expanding digital data‑sharing would help create a faster, more transparent and predictable business environment.

At an Investment Forum earlier this month, Energy Minister Keo Rottanak admitted informal fees and corruption remain obstacles, pledging stronger measures to curb such practices. He said ministries were being instructed to reduce bureaucratic layers and work more closely with the Council for the Development of Cambodia to accelerate approvals.

The White Book identified priority areas for reform, including Qualified Investment Project procedures, online registration systems, sectoral licensing, certificates of origin, exhibition permits and corporate secretary requirements.

EuroCham said the initiative seeks to strengthen public‑private cooperation and provide constructive recommendations to support Cambodia’s long‑term economic development. The chamber also encouraged businesses and citizens to submit feedback through the online platform to help improve administrative procedures and promote more efficient, investor‑friendly governance.