Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit 2026 Officially Opens in Phnom Penh

Phnom penh: The Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit (CABS) 2026 was officially opened in Phnom Penh this morning under the presidency of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Addressing the event, Samdech Thipadei emphasized that CABS serves as an important platform of the Royal Government to foster greater private-sector participation in Cambodia's economic growth. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Prime Minister highlighted Cambodia's commitment to innovation-driven growth to boost both national and regional competitiveness in a digital and sustainability-focused global economy. He stated that Cambodia has adopted a model of strategic openness, positioning itself as an emerging digital and industrial hub within the ASEAN region. Furthermore, he reaffirmed Cambodia's dedication to achieving high-income status through sustainability, innovation, and deeper regional integration. Neak Oknha Kith Meng, President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Chair of ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Cambodia, remarked that the summit demonstrates the robust partnership between the CCC, ASEAN-BAC Cambodia, and global business associations. He observed that the global economy is facing challenges such as strategic competition among major powers, unilateral tariff measures, and escalating conflicts, which have impacted growth prospects in ASEAN and Cambodia. In this context, Neak Oknha Kith Meng stressed ASEAN's strength in maintaining openness, neutrality, and centrality instead of taking sides. He emphasized the importance of ASEAN as a stabilizing force that anchors dialogue, connects markets, and ensures economic cooperation governed by fairness, transparency, and mutual respect. Despite global challenges, he urged Southeast Asia and Cambodia to continue being a region of resilience, dynamism, and opportunity. The summit is held under the theme 'Transforming ASEAN: Innovation, Integration, and Industrial Evolution,' and is organized in collaboration with international chambers of commerce and business associations in Cambodia and across ASEAN Member States. Participants include high-ranking government officials, ambassadors, representatives of key regional institutions, ASEAN-BAC members, leading international companies operating in Cambodia and the wider ASEAN market, as well as industry experts.