AKP Phnom Penh, August 29, 2025 --

A visiting U.S. congressional delegation has expressed strong appreciation for Cambodia’s resilient economic growth.

This was made known when the delegation, led by Texas Republican Congresswoman H.E. Ms. Beth Van Duyne, paid a courtesy call on Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh yesterday.

During the meeting, H.E. Ms. Beth Van Duyne highly commended Cambodia’s economic progress, including macroeconomic stability and low inflation rates achieved over the past decades. She also acknowledged the Royal Government’s efforts in introducing important policies to attract foreign investment and welcomed the positive progress in U.S.–Cambodia relations, particularly in trade and investment.

In response, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet warmly welcomed the delegation and emphasised that their visit would further strengthen Cambodia–U.S. relations and cooperation. He stressed that Cambodia’s economic achievements have been possible thanks to the country’s peace and stability.

The Prime Minister also conveyed Cambodia’s gratitude to U.S. President Donald J. Trump for facilitating the rapid ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, which has saved many lives. He added that Cambodia has nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, in response to the request of Cambodians both at home and abroad, as a gesture of appreciation for his personal attention in initiating and promoting the ceasefire.

At the same time, Samdech Thipadei thanked the U.S. government for its decision to lower the import tariff rate on Cambodian goods to 19 percent starting from Aug. 1, 2025. He further highlighted key government reforms, including streamlined investment registration procedures, the organisation of government-private sector forums to address business concerns, and the introduction of concrete investment policies with incentive measures to attract more foreign investors.

Both sides also discussed strengthening cooperation in key areas, including security and defence, combating cross-border crime, and the repatriation of Cambodian citizens from the U.S. to Cambodia.

On the border situation, the Prime Minister briefed the delegation on the progress of ceasefire implementation with Thailand, stressing Cambodia’s commitment to restoring relations between the two countries.

The U.S. congressional delegation reaffirmed the U.S.’ support for the ceasefire and a return to peace and stability, and pledged to continue closely monitoring developments.

By Heng Panha