Cambodia

Overview

Cambodia is a young Southeast Asian economy that has grown rapidly since the 1990s, built largely on garment and footwear manufacturing for Western brands, alongside agriculture and construction. Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville have expanded quickly on investment and trade preferences.

The economy is highly open and closely tied to China, which funds much of its infrastructure, and to trade agreements such as the regional RCEP pact. Diversifying beyond garments into electronics, agribusiness and services — while improving skills, governance and environmental management of places like Angkor and Tonlé Sap — shapes the next stage of development.

On the rise

Trade integration, new industrial sectors and a young workforce give Cambodia room to climb beyond garment exports — with skills, energy supply and institutional quality deciding how far it climbs.