Cambodia Urges Japan to Expand Investment Amid Regional Tensions

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Sept. 3, 2025) — Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, first vice president of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), has called on the Japanese Embassy to strengthen cooperation with the Cambodian government in promoting investment and expanding outreach to Japanese investors.

Speaking during the 30th Cambodia-Japan Joint Committee Meeting, Chanthol urged Japan to help develop new programs that highlight Cambodia’s investment climate, incentives and sectoral potential. “We want to deepen investor confidence and showcase Cambodia’s readiness to welcome high-quality Japanese investment,” he said.

The meeting was co-chaired by Japanese Ambassador Ueno Atsushi and attended by representatives from relevant ministries, the Japan Business Association in Cambodia (JBAC), AEM-METI’s AMEICC, JICA, JETRO, and roughly 200 Japanese companies operating in Cambodia.

Held under the framework of the Cambodia-Japan Agreement on Liberalization, Promotion and Protection of Investment, the bilateral dialogue addressed private sector concerns and proposed solutions to strengthen cooperation. Topics included taxation, customs, environment, trade, logistics, energy, labor and security.

Chanthol expressed gratitude to Japanese investors for expanding their operations in Cambodia, saying their continued engagement reflects trust in the government’s stability and reform efforts.

Ambassador Ueno extended condolences for the loss of Cambodian soldiers in the recent border conflict with Thailand and announced Japan’s emergency humanitarian grant of $1.8 million. He reaffirmed Japan’s support for the ceasefire agreement and praised Cambodia’s commitment to peace.

Ueno also thanked Sun for consistently facilitating Japanese investor requests and emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in bilateral investment cooperation. He commended the CDC and relevant ministries for their responsible and responsive coordination with Japanese stakeholders.