Since 2 October 2025, Phnom Penh has been hosting Clean Energy Week, a major event illustrating the central role of clean energy in Cambodia's economic competitiveness and industrial growth.

The latest Asian Development Outlook (ADO), published in September 2025 by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), paints a nuanced picture of Cambodia's economic trajectory, oscillating between notable resilience and growing risks that require vigilance and adaptation.

By August 2025, official trade between Cambodia and Thailand had shrunk to a paltry ten million baht, a collapse of 99.9% according to the Thai Department of Foreign Trade. This figure is far from a simple accounting error; it symbolises the end of a vital trade artery that was once worth billions every month.

Last weekend, the Koh Pich exhibition centre was alive with innovation and entrepreneurship at the ‘Khmer Can Do’ event, an ambitious showcase for the dynamism of Cambodian youth and the wealth of their know-how.

On Thursday 25 September 2025, Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen received the credentials of Mrs Vivian Loss Sanmartin, Brazil's new ambassador to Cambodia. This ceremony marks a historic milestone in bilateral relations by inaugurating the first Brazilian embassy to be established in the Khmer Kingdom.

In August 2025, following a controversy, two Cambodian companies launched a new national brand: ‘Cambodia Cola’. This local offensive has become a powerful symbol of a burgeoning economic patriotism, appealing to a Cambodian public that is increasingly sensitive to the national cause in a geopolitical context that remains tense.

The special meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee, held in Koh Kong, led to major advances while illustrating the continuing fragility of the situation. The two nations, which have long faced recurring tensions on their land border, opted for institutionalised dialogue and the implementation of concerted actions, against a backdrop of serious incidents at Chok Chey and humanitarian concerns.

At a time when environmental challenges and foreign competition are putting the country's fisheries resources to the test, Cambodia is opting for an innovative identity to protect its fisheries: the ‘Made in Cambodia’ label now stands as a shield for a vital sector, pivotal to the country's food security and economic growth.

Cambodia is increasingly emerging as a land of opportunity for major Chinese textile companies. Four major groups based in Shandong province have recently expressed an interest in developing their activities here, with their sights set on the global fashion and textile markets.

From 26 to 28 September 2025, the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh will be the setting for an emblematic event designed to highlight the talents and creativity of Cambodian craftsmen and entrepreneurs: the ‘Khmer Can Do’ exhibition.

In a border context still marked by military and diplomatic tensions, the President of the Senate, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, surprised everyone by expressing his 'gratitude' for Thailand's decision to keep its borders closed. Paradoxically, this measure would have led to a significant rise in domestic production and increased consumption of Cambodian-made goods.

Last week, Edumalin, the French educational innovation platform specialising in explicit and structured learning, completed a new stage in its mission in South-East Asia.

On 17 September, harrowing videos circulated of the head-on clash between Cambodian civilians, including monks, and Thai forces near Ban Nong Ya Kaew (on the Thai side) and Prey Chan (on the Cambodian side). Tear gas and rubber bullets were fired, resulting in a dramatic toll of 28 casualties, including civilians and monks.

On Wednesday 17 September 2025, more than 180 people gathered at the Élysée Tower on the Koh Pich peninsula to celebrate the return to business and conviviality of the Franco-Khmer business community at the Back to Business Party 2025. This venue, with its very French architecture and atmosphere, provided the ideal setting for what has become a not-to-be-missed event.

South Korean convenience store chain Emart24 continues to strengthen its presence in Cambodia with the recent opening of its seventh outlet in the capital, Phnom Penh. This rapid expansion not only reflects the growing demand among Cambodian consumers for Korean products and culture, but also illustrates the strong momentum of the country's modern retail sector.

Cambodia, a country with a strong rice-growing tradition, is now at the heart of an ecological innovation: the manufacture of rice-based straws. Faced with the growing pollution caused by single-use plastics, local companies like TK&D Manufacturing are working towards a greener future by offering a biodegradable and healthy alternative to plastic straws.

France is consolidating its position as a major economic player in Cambodia, ranking 9ᵉ among foreign direct investor (FDI) countries in the Kingdom. Since 1994, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) has validated 44 Qualified Investment Projects (QIPs) from French companies, totalling a financial commitment of $380 million.

Cambodia recently welcomed a large business delegation led by MEDEF International, in partnership with Business France. The aim was to consolidate economic and commercial relations between France and the Kingdom, in a regional context marked by sustained growth and increased competition for access to emerging markets in South-East Asia.

The major event of the weekend in Phnom Penh, the Exhibition of Khmer Products 2025 organised on the island of Koh Pich, has established itself as a must-attend event to celebrate talent, innovation and the wealth of Cambodian know-how.

The residence of the French Embassy hosted a reception yesterday evening at which the new French Ambassador, Mr Olivier RICHARD, met the French community in Cambodia and introduced Ms Marie BUSCAIL, the new First Counsellor, and Ms Anne DUTHURON, the new Consul.

Cambodia is taking a major step forward in the development of its aviation sector with the joint announcement of a new aviation school. The initiative, the result of a strategic partnership between the OCIC Group, CamTech University and the prestigious WCC Aeronautical and Technological College (WCC-ATC) in the Philippines, aims to train a new generation of skilled professionals to meet the country's growing needs in this field.

In 2025, Phnom Penh is experiencing a major turning point in its real estate and construction sector. After several years of turbulence driven by the global economic situation, inflation and credit adjustments, the city is gradually regaining momentum, driven by infrastructure renewal and stabilising demand for real estate.

The year 2025 marks a significant development for real estate in Cambodia, where the coastal cities of Sihanoukville and Siem Reap are experiencing distinct but equally promising dynamics, according to the latest report from Knight Frank. While Siem Reap is facing uncertainty due to regional tensions, Sihanoukville is gradually establishing itself as a future strategic hub, driven by major infrastructure development.

On 4 September 2025, a webinar entitled ‘Winning in Cambodia: Lessons from Leading Multinationals’ revealed some of the keys to success for multinationals in Cambodia.