Japan Commits to Driving SME Investments in Cambodia Under Business Co-Creation Framework

• Proeksa Meas
• 3 September 2026
• Local News
• 788 Views

Bilateral talks between Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol and AOTS expert Michiaki Takahashi reaffirm Tokyo’s backing for small and medium-sized enterprises while supporting existing Japanese businesses

Japanese technical experts are intensifying efforts to channel Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises into Cambodia as part of a broader initiative to deepen bilateral economic ties and foster sustainable industrial growth. The renewed investment commitment was highlighted during a working meeting between H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, and Michiaki Takahashi, a Japanese expert from the Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships, who conducted an official working mission to Cambodia from August 24 to 28, 2026.

During the discussion, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol expressed deep appreciation to the government and people of Japan for their continuous cooperation and active support across all development sectors. He emphasized that Japanese development assistance and technical partnerships have served as vital pillars for Cambodia’s economic expansion, particularly through the financing and construction of strategic physical infrastructure such as major bridges, national highways, and the capacity expansion of deep-sea port facilities.

In response, Michiaki Takahashi affirmed the strong dedication of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to actively encourage Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises to explore investment opportunities and establish commercial operations in Cambodia. Beyond attracting new capital flows, he emphasized that Japanese trade authorities remain committed to assisting existing Japanese enterprises operating within the Kingdom to maintain sustainable business operations and scale up their ongoing commercial activities.

Both parties expressed firm determination to reinforce institutional coordination and streamline operational processes between the Council for the Development of Cambodia and the Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships within the Business Co-Creation Team framework. By aligning action plans and operational mechanisms, the joint initiative aims to create a highly supportive environment for foreign investors, ultimately contributing to Cambodia’s long-term sustainable economic development. (read more)

• CDC
• SME
• Japan's investment
• AOTS