AKP Phnom Penh, April 02, 2026 --

The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) and the Japan-Cambodia Association (JCA) have engaged in an in-depth discussion regarding the progress of economic cooperation, investment promotion, and the further strengthening of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

The discussion took place on the afternoon of April 1 between H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the CDC, and a JCA delegation, led by Mr. Takahashi Fumiaki, President of the Association and former Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia. 

According to the CDC, during this high-level meeting, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister took the opportunity to brief the delegation on the significant progress of the Cambodia-Japan Business Co-Creation Team. This newly established mechanism serves as an efficient platform for coordinating and fostering joint business opportunities between Cambodian and Japanese investors. 

Furthermore, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the latest developments of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port expansion project. Supported by financing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), this project is set to become a vital economic gateway, significantly enhancing Cambodia’s regional competitiveness.

Concurrently, the Japanese delegation reported on the success of their investment in a Tilapia fish farm, which currently supplies AEON malls and several premium restaurants. The association is currently conducting feasibility studies to expand production for international export. 

In response, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister expressed his high appreciation and encouraged the association to explore further investment opportunities in shrimp farming and other high-demand aquatic species. 

Additionally, the Japanese side reaffirmed their commitment to continued investment in the cashew nut sector, a strategic Cambodian crop that is seeing steadily increasing demand in the Japanese market.

To maintain the momentum of investment attraction, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister underscored plans to organise an upcoming Investment Roadshow Mission to Japan. He also highlighted the upcoming "Business Breakfast" programme, designed to provide a direct forum for dialogue and to address specific challenges faced by investors.

The JCA President expressed his profound confidence in the leadership of the Head of the Royal Government of Cambodia, as well as the personal commitment of the Deputy Prime Minister. He reiterated the JCA’s firm resolve to continue mobilising Japanese investors to explore and invest more in Cambodia.

In conclusion, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the CDC’s unwavering readiness to provide comprehensive coordination and support to all Japanese investors, ensuring that investment opportunities are transformed into tangible economic benefits for the people of both nations.

By C. Nika