Cambodian Business Leaders Call for State Relief on Chronic Tax Debts to Revitalize Private Sector

• 21 February 2026
• Local News
• 815 Views

Neak Oknha Kith Meng, President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council for Cambodia, has called on the government to consider granting tax relief or amnesty for the historical tax debts of private enterprises. This proposal was formally introduced during the Cambodia Tax Forum 2026, which was hosted by the General Department of Taxation last week.

During the forum, Kith Meng urged the tax authorities to evaluate the possibility of forgiving old or chronic debts to provide businesses with the flexibility needed to launch new ventures. He argued that clearing these long-standing financial burdens would ultimately serve the broader public interest by revitalizing the private sector and encouraging fresh economic activity.

Following the forum, the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce issued a clarifying statement on February 11, 2026, to provide further context on the request. The Chamber specified that the proposal specifically targets chronic tax debts identified by the department, as well as certain current obligations that hinder business growth. By addressing these stagnant debts, the state could help companies regain their footing in an increasingly competitive market.

Despite this appeal for leniency, the Chamber of Commerce remains a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility. The organization continues to encourage both domestic and international companies operating in the Kingdom to maintain high levels of tax compliance. The Chamber emphasized that all businesses are expected to fulfill their tax obligations accurately and in accordance with the legal framework and regulations established by the Royal Government of Cambodia.

• Taxation
• Economic and finance
• GDT
• Cambodia Tax Forum