EuroCham Flags Five Bureaucratic Bottlenecks Slowing Investment in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, May 27, 2026 (KPT) — The European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham) has identified five major bureaucratic bottlenecks that it says continue to slow investment, raise costs and weaken the country’s competitiveness as a regional destination.

In its White Book 2027, which presents 77 policy recommendations, EuroCham urged the government to accelerate digital reforms, improve inter‑ministerial coordination and simplify procedures to create a more efficient business environment.

The chamber highlighted overlapping business registration, duplication in sectoral licensing, delays in obtaining Certificates of Origin, complex exhibition permit requirements and new corporate secretary regulations as key obstacles.

One of the most significant challenges, it said, is duplication between the Council for the Development of Cambodia’s Investment Project Management system and the Online Business Registration portal, forcing companies to repeatedly submit documents.

EuroCham also raised concerns over licensing in logistics and transport, proposing a “Single Logistics License” model to reduce administrative burdens. Trade facilitation delays, particularly in Certificates of Origin, were cited as disrupting supply chains as Cambodia prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2029.

The Ministry of Commerce on May 27 reiterated its commitment to moving procedures online, stressing that digital transformation is essential to cut red tape and improve efficiency. It said stronger integration between ministries would help reduce duplication, lower compliance costs and boost investor confidence.

EuroCham added that clearer rules on exhibition permits and corporate secretary requirements are needed to avoid regulatory uncertainty and support Cambodia’s long‑term competitiveness.