AKK Phnom Penh, July 06, 2026—

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron has called on Japanese businesses to expand investment in Cambodia, highlighting the country's transition to a technology-driven economy and a rigorous domestic crackdown on online scams.

Speaking at a public forum in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, delivered a lecture titled "The Future of Cambodia and Cambodia-Japan Partnership," aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and driving foreign direct investment.

The event was attended by local leaders, investors, business executives, and academics.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that Japan remains a foundational partner in Cambodia’s development. He cited major infrastructure projects—such as the Kizuna Bridge—alongside extensive roads, ports, and education initiatives backed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as enduring symbols of the bilateral alliance.

"Over the past three decades, Cambodia has achieved remarkable progress in peace, economic growth, poverty reduction, and educational reform," H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron said. "Cambodia is now transitioning from a labour-intensive economy to one based on knowledge, technology, and innovation."

To support this shift, he noted that approximately 60 percent of Cambodia's population is under the age of 35, representing a vital workforce for emerging sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), engineering, and the digital economy. The Royal Government of Cambodia is currently restructuring higher education curricula to better align academic output with private-sector demand.

Addressing potential investors, the Minister urged Japanese firms to explore high-value-added industries such as advanced agriculture, food processing, green energy, and infrastructure development. He highlighted Cambodia’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which offer tax incentives and streamlined administrative procedures designed to optimize the foreign investment climate.

In a move to reassure international partners regarding security concerns, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron underscored Cambodia’s intensifying campaign against transnational crime.

He stated that the Royal Government of Cambodia is taking strict law enforcement measures to crack down on online scam operations, working in close coordination with international agencies to safeguard social security and maintain a transparent, secure business environment for foreign investors.

By K. Rithy Reak