Phnom penh: The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) recently engaged in discussions with a delegation from the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) to assess Cambodia's economic outlook, as detailed in an official statement released on April 29.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the talks took place in Phnom Penh, led by H.E. Dr. Phan Phalla, Secretary of State at the MEF, alongside Mr. Yasuto Watanabe, President of AMRO. During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Phan Phalla emphasized the significance of AMRO's yearly evaluations in shaping Cambodia's economic policies. He acknowledged that the insights and recommendations provided by AMRO are crucial for the Royal Government as it navigates an increasingly complex global landscape.
Mr. Yasuto Watanabe, on his part, lauded Cambodia's proactive approach in managing macroeconomic stability, especially in the face of persistent external challenges.
AMRO's assessment highlights that Cambodia has sustained a solid growth trajectory, bolstered by strong export activity, steady foreign direct investment, and timely government interventions that have helped maintain production and socio-economic stability. However, the organization warned of potential risks looming on the horizon for 2026 and beyond.
These risks include the impact of escalating energy prices driven by tensions in the Middle East, a slowdown in global trade, rising protectionist measures, vulnerabilities in the banking sector due to growing non-performing loans, and uncertainties related to regional border issues. Despite these challenges, AMRO forecasts a growth rate of 4.9 percent for Cambodia's economy in 2026.