AKP Phnom Penh, February 09, 2026 — Cambodia and China launched their inaugural Public-Private Dialogue on Monday, a high-level initiative aimed at streamlining investment and resolving operational hurdles for Chinese firms in the Southeast Asian nation.

The forum was co-chaired by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Sun Chanthol and Chinese Ambassador H.E. Wang Wenbin. 

The session brought together 80 representatives from the Association of Chinese Chambers of Commerce in Cambodia alongside senior officials from various Cambodian ministries and the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC).

Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, who serves as the First Vice President of the CDC, emphasised that the dialogue reflects the Royal Government’s commitment to addressing the specific concerns of Chinese investors. He framed the initiative as a mechanism to build institutional trust and promote broader cooperation in trade and infrastructure.

"This dialogue provides a platform for Chinese investors to raise challenges and find appropriate solutions," the Deputy Prime Minister said, confirming the forum would convene every six months to monitor progress on resolving business grievances.

China remains Cambodia’s largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) and its primary trading partner.

For his part, Ambassador Wang Wenbin welcomed the move, noting that a more transparent business environment is essential for expanding the presence of Chinese enterprises.

"Chinese investment has already created more than 1 million jobs in Cambodia, contributing significantly to sustainable economic growth and the expansion of international trade," Wang stated.

The discussions covered a wide range of technical and regulatory issues, focusing on: Taxation and customs procedures; Logistics and energy supply; Agriculture and agro-industrial development; Labour regulations and human resources.

The meeting concluded with both sides pledging to pursue "mutually beneficial solutions" to ensure a stable and harmonious investment climate.

By K. Rithy Reak