In partnership with its Greater Mekong Subregion neighbors, Cambodia has developed into one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia. Though the country still faces many challenges, it is working closely with its partners to make major advances to improve the lives of its people.
Quick Facts
Population: 16 million (2015)
GDP at PPP (current international dollars): 55 billion (2015)
GDP per capita at PPP (current international dollars): 3,496 (2015)
View more statistics.
Cambodia has made major advances in agriculture through increased productivity, and the diversification and commercialization of key crops. Cambodia has stimulated the growth of competitive farms and rural enterprises, connected rural areas to markets, and created more jobs. Other agriculture projects include the building of sustainable rural infrastructure, such as irrigation systems, and promoting productivity, competitiveness, and climate change resilience.
Cambodia is also working to provide an adequate supply of energy throughout the country at an affordable price. This is designed to bring the economic benefits of a reliable energy supply to people in rural areas, while at the same time encouraging investment, and building the national economy. In coordination with its GMS partners, Cambodia is exploring sustainable options for the exploration and development of its energy resources, while at the same time taking a leadership role in green growth initiatives.
Cambodia has one of the world’s most spectacular environments. With rich diversity in species and ecosystems, Cambodia’s forests, wetlands and coastlines are among the best preserved in Asia. Cambodians have recognized this environmental treasure, and are working to better manage rapid economic growth with sustainable environmental practices. This includes protecting vital water resources, such as Cambodia’s great lake – the Tonle Sap – and working to control floods that particularly hurt the poor and vulnerable.
Like other GMS countries, Cambodia needs to develop its human resources in order to sustain economic growth, create more jobs, and further reduce poverty. With the support of its partners, Cambodia is working to educate and train its people to be globally competitive. The country has seen an increase in overall student enrolment, an improved curriculum, and a greater focus on vocational training and career orientation. There has been a particular focus the training of health professionals, and the protection of Cambodian workers migrating to nearby countries.
The number of fixed and mobile telecommunications users is rapidly expanding in Cambodia, as is Internet usage. The government has worked, in coordination with its GMS partners, to improve the policy and regulatory environment for telecommunications. With cross-border connections to Thailand, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam, Cambodians are becoming increasingly connected to their GMS neighbors. This has spurred economic activity, and greater access to global and regional knowledge resources.
Tourism in Cambodia has skyrocketed in recent years, with visitors – many from neighboring GMS countries – touring ancient Khmer sites, such as Angkor Wat. In addition to the lively capital of Phnom Penh, visitors are exploring the picturesque Tonle Sap Lake, the majestic Mekong River, the unspoiled Cardamom Mountains, and the alluring southern coasts near Sihanoukville. The country is working with its GMS partners to develop a sustainable tourism sector that reduces poverty and protects natural resources and culture. Projects are underway to develop human resources that serve the tourism sector, and build tourist-related infrastructure.
Cambodia is encouraging trade and investment by working to develop a strong private sector that supports both small enterprises and large corporations. The country also recognizes the importance of microfinance for the poor. Cambodia is working to strengthen the regulatory regime governing financial institutions and promote private sector involvement in regional integration. Cambodia’s fast-growing economy still needs more modern financial infrastructure, including effective bank and insurance regulations.
In the area of transport, Cambodia has benefited from the development of the Southern Economic Corridor: a package of diverse investments along three major subregional routes – one cutting across northern Cambodia including Siem Reap, another running along the western coast, and the third a modern highway that links Phnom Penh, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. These vital thoroughfares have spurred economic growth in communities all along the corridors, and beyond. Cambodia is also working to upgrade its national highway system, particularly roads that link rural areas to cities. The country’s airports and rail system have also been improved, and are slated for further upgrades.
Road Network Improvement Project
News
ADB Provides Support for Three Infrastructure Projects in Cambodia
ADB Provides Support for Three Infrastructure Projects in Cambodia
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (9 January 2018) — The Asian Development Bank today signed three project loan agreements with the Government of Cambodia to provide support for road network improvement, provincial water supply and sanitation, and smallholder farmers development in Tonle Sap.
Cambodia Consultation Mission for the 6th GMS Summit
Cambodia Consultation Mission for the 6th GMS Summit
Cambodia Consultation Mission for the 6th GMS Summit
News
ADB Launches Instagram Photo Contest on Development Progress in the Mekong Subregion
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (8 January 2018) — The Asian Development Bank today launched a photo contest on Instagram to showcase the development progress in the Greater Mekong Subregion and demonstrate how a focus on increased regional cooperation and integration can improve people’s lives.
News
Five Reasons Air Travel Is Booming in the Greater Mekong Subregion
The Greater Mekong Subregion is one of the fast-growing markets for air transport services today.
News
Opening Opportunities for Local Startups in the Mekong Region
The Mekong Business Initiative, sponsored by the Australian Government and the Asian Development Bank, is sourcing international investment and facilitating regional expansion for innovative startups.
News
Renewable Energy in the Greater Mekong Subregion: A Status Report
The Greater Mekong Subregion has significant potential to develop renewal energy, but it also faces major challenges.
News
Superbug Threatens Malaria Control in Greater Mekong Subregion
Scientists are urgently calling for alternative treatments to a malaria “superbug” that now affects four countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Publications
14th Annual Meeting of the GMS Working Group on Agriculture (WGA-14)
14th Annual Meeting of the GMS Working Group on Agriculture (WGA-14)
The 14th Annual Meeting of the Greater Mekong Subregion Working Group on Agriculture was held on 13-14 July 2017 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
News
How Risk Financing Can Help Mekong Farmers Cope with Disasters
Risk financing can help at-risk communities better cope with the economic costs of natural disasters and extreme weather.