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This week, Cambodia has experienced significant events that deserve to be highlighted. From the domain of policy and the diplomacy to economic and social issues, the news came one after the other, painting a dynamic picture of the country. From official visits to economic developments to security measures, let’s dive into the highlights of Cambodia between October 14 and 20.
During the week of October 14 to 20, Cambodia experienced a series of significant events, touching on politics, economics and social issues. From diplomatic meetings to economic advances, including regrettable incidents, this period was rich in new developments. We offer you an overview of this week’s highlights, allowing a better understanding of the ongoing dynamics in this fascinating and evolving country.
Politics and Diplomacy
On October 16, Cambodia was selected to host the 16th Caucus of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in June 2025. The decision was made during the AIPA Executive Committee meeting in Vientiane, Laos. During the same meeting, Malaysia was tasked to host the 46th General Assembly in 2025, while the Philippines will prepare for the 47th General Assembly in 2026. The agenda of the AIPA-45 General Assembly, which will take place from October 17 to 23, was also discussed, highlighting the role of Parliament in the connectivity and growth inclusive of ASEAN.
On October 18, the Prime Minister Hun Manet received Nakharin Mektrairat, the President of the Constitutional Court of Thailand, at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh. This visit helped strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, as Nakharin highlighted, while highlighting Cambodia’s development. Hun Manet, for his part, expressed satisfaction with the growing collaboration between the Cambodian Constitutional Council and the Thai Constitutional Court.
Meanwhile, on October 20, Hun Manet led a delegation to the inauguration of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka as president and vice-president of Indonesia in Jakart, marking an important milestone in regional diplomatic relations.
Economy
Cambodia, as a Least Developed Country (LDC), has obtained several trade advantages, notably through the Everything But Arms (ESB) scheme. In May 2024, the United Nations Economic and Social Council praised the Cambodian economy for its positive momentum that will enable its graduation from the LDC list by 2029. While this progress is encouraging, it also presents challenges, including loss of commercial advantages.
In this context, the Minister of Commerce, Cham Nimul, announced a new strategy to help the country navigate this transition, focusing on strengthening trade agreements free trade and improving the business environment.
Another initiative worthy of interest is the introduction, since October 14, of a QR code payment system Alipay+, developed by Alibaba. This system will facilitate transactions for tourists, especially Chinese, in the approximately three million Cambodian businesses that accept it, in addition to the Bakhong infrastructure secured by blockchain. This marks a significant step forward towards the modernization of the Cambodian economy.
Company
The week was marked by tragic events, including a fire that devastated a workers’ dormitory in Phnom Penh on October 18. The fire, which is believed to have started from an Internet cable, destroyed at least thirteen rooms. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but this incident serves as a reminder of the need to improve security infrastructure in worker housing.
In another incident, police arrested three men involved in a shooting on October 14 in Tuol Kork. These arrests are the result of a proactive approach to maintaining order in the neighborhood, a priority for local authorities.
On a more positive note, the government announced the distribution of 67,300 scholarships for technical and vocational training in 2025, with the aim of developing the skills of the Cambodian workforce and reducing unemployment. These scholarships will be part of a recently established national program.
Tourism and Culture
Cambodia is currently celebrating Kathina, an essential Buddhist holiday that encourages national solidarity. Preparations for a major event for the Khmer Krom are underway, with a religious ceremony planned for November 3. This festive period is a testimony to the vitality of Cambodian cultural traditions.
The Ministry of Land Planning also announced a project to integrate artificial intelligence to modernize Norodom and Sisowath boulevards in Phnom Penh, citing aesthetic and practical improvements to encourage walking among residents, often reliant on motorbikes. and cars.
Finally, Preah Sihanouk province plans to create ecotourism zones along the Teuk Sap stream, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable tourism in the country. This initiative highlights Cambodia’s growing commitment to environmental protection.
Upcoming events
The Air & Tech Show 2024, scheduled for December 13-15 in Phnom Penh, promises to attract attention with an exhibition of planes and aircraft, as well as a competition for innovative technological creations. At the same time, the national employment and productivity fair will be held on October 26 and 27, providing a platform for more than 30,000 job offers, an opportunity for young job seekers and professionals to inform about the latest market trends.
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CAMBODIA EXPRESS – LATEST NEWS
- Policy: Welcome of Nakharin Mektrairat, strengthening of ties with Thailand.
- Inauguration: Hun Manet at the inauguration ceremony in Indonesia.
- Trade: Introduction of Alipay+, new era for transactions.
- PMA: Economy on track to leave the list of Least Developed Countries by 2029.
- Cultural Events: Kathina celebrations, national solidarity.
- Fire: Major incident in a workers’ dormitory in Phnom Penh.
- Socio-economic situation: Scholarships for 67,300 technical training students.
- Ecotourism: Projects to protect mangroves in Preah Sihanouk.
- Upcoming events: Jobs and Productivity Fair, October 26-27.
- Competitions: Annual boat race in Takhmao, community engagement.
FAQ – News from Cambodia (October 14 to 20)
What important event took place in politics and diplomacy in Cambodia? Cambodia will host the 16th Caucus of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in June 2025, during an Executive Committee meeting in Vientiane.
Who was received by the Cambodian Prime Minister on October 18? Hun Manet welcomed Nakharin Mektrairat, President of the Constitutional Court of Thailand, to the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.
Why did Hun Manet go to Indonesia on October 20? He attended the inauguration of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka as president and vice-president of Indonesia.
What trade benefits will Cambodia enjoy in the future? As a less developed country, Cambodia benefits from the Everything But Arms agreement, but it risks losing these benefits by leaving this list in 2029.
What has been put in place to facilitate payments in Cambodia? The Alipay+ QR code payment system, introduced since October 14, is now accepted in Cambodia, allowing easier transactions for Chinese tourists.
What is the profile of young Malaysian entrepreneurs in Cambodia? More and more young Malaysians are investing in various sectors such as software, digital technologies and electric vehicles in Cambodia.
What happened during the October 18 fire in Phnom Penh? A serious fire ravaged a workers’ dormitory in Phnom Penh, destroying at least 13 rooms before firefighters brought the fire under control.
What incidents have taken place regarding crime in Phnom Penh? Police have arrested three men involved in a shooting in Tuol Kork on October 13 in connection with armed threats.
How many scholarships were provided by the Cambodian government in 2025? The government provided 67,300 scholarships for technical and vocational training programs.
What ecological projects are planned in the province of Preah Sihanouk? The province plans to establish ecotourism zones along the Teuk Sap Creek, which are rich in mangroves and biodiversity.
What major celebrations are currently taking place in Cambodia? Cambodia celebrates Kathina, a major Buddhist festival where Cambodians make donations to Buddhist monks.
What upcoming events are planned for December in Cambodia? The Air & Tech Show will take place December 13-15, showcasing a variety of aircraft and technology equipment.
When will the National Jobs and Productivity Fair be held? This fair will take place on October 26 and 27, offering more than 30,000 job offers and productivity workshops.