Cambodia’s Public Debt Reaches USD11.78 Billion by Q3 2024

• 16 December 2024
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As of the end of the third quarter in 2024, Cambodia’s total public debt has reached USD11.78 billion, according to a recent Ministry of Economy and Finance report. This figure represents a significant aspect of the country’s economic landscape and highlights the government’s ongoing financial management strategies.

The report indicates that a staggering 99 per cent of this public debt, approximately USD11.67 billion, is categorized as external debt, while the remaining 1 per cent, amounting to USD115 million, is domestic debt. The external debt is diversified across several currencies, with the composition including 45% in US dollars, 19% in Special Drawing Rights (SDR), 12% in Japanese Yen (JPY), 11% in Chinese Yuan (CNY), 8% in Euros (EUR), and 5% in local and other currencies.

Cambodia’s public debt represents 19 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which remains well below the international threshold of 40 per cent. The Ministry of Economy and Finance emphasized that these figures reflect a “sustainable” public debt situation for the kingdom, indicating a “low risk” of debt distress.

The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has made significant strides in financial management efforts, having paid US$466 million in debt service from the first to the third quarter of this year. This showcases the government’s commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility while supporting economic growth and development in the region.

As the RGC continues navigating the complexities of public debt and economic policy, these statistics serve as an important reminder of Cambodia’s current financial health and capacity for future growth.