Ambassador Macra: Cambodia and Kuwait possess great potential to enhance economic cooperation

H.E. the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the State of Kuwait, Chey Makra, extends his highest expressions of appreciation and respect, along with sincere wishes for success and prosperity, to His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, and to His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Crown Prince, as well as to the visionary government of the State of Kuwait and its noble people.

On the auspicious and historic occasion of the 73rd National Day commemorating the independence of the Kingdom of Cambodia, falling on November 9, 2026, he stated: “November 9 marks Cambodia’s National Independence Day, a historic event and a source of enduring pride deeply rooted in the hearts of every Cambodian citizen. This historic event commemorates the restoration of the Kingdom of Cambodia’s independence, sovereignty, and full territorial integrity from colonial rule through the glorious ‘Royal Campaign for Independence,’ led by His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk, the Hero King and Father of Cambodia’s Independence. His exceptional diplomatic acumen, profound patriotism, and significant sacrifices contributed to the liberation of the homeland and the unification of the Cambodian nation under the umbrella of peace and sovereignty.

Relations Between the Two Countries

As Cambodia celebrates its Independence Day, I am pleased to express my pride in the distinguished diplomatic friendship between Cambodia and Kuwait, which marked its 32nd anniversary in July 2026. The partnership between the two countries, built on mutual trust and respect, has been strengthened by the historic visits in 2008 and 2009 by His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, then Prime Minister of Kuwait, and Samdech Akka Moha Senea Padey Techo Hun Sen, then Prime Minister of Cambodia. These two visits laid a solid foundation for cooperation in political, commercial, investment, educational, and tourism sectors.

The latest significant milestone in bilateral relations occurred in May 2025 during the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, met with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince, reaffirming their shared vision for friendship between the two countries.

In the coming phase, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia in the State of Kuwait remains firmly committed to playing an active bridging role to create opportunities and foster deeper integration in political, cultural, and investment fields between the two countries.

Cambodia and Kuwait still possess significant potential to enhance economic cooperation by increasing trade volumes, strengthening ties between business communities, and exploring new investment opportunities. Effective collaboration between the public and private sectors will play a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of a mutually beneficial partnership. Both countries enjoy substantial complementary potential in the trade sector.

While the State of Kuwait emerges on the international stage as a key energy hub, a manager of international financial investments, and a pioneer in effective franchise business management in the region, Cambodia, in turn, offers a vibrant business ecosystem built on six comparative advantages and prominent opportunities for investors:

First, a dynamic workforce: Cambodia possesses a young workforce, proficient in digital technology and highly capable of rapidly acquiring new skills, with approximately 60% of the total population under the age of 35.

Second, a highly attractive business and investment environment: Cambodia offers a wide range of incentives, including income tax exemptions for up to 12 years, permission for 100% foreign ownership, and unrestricted profit repatriation. These procedures have been simplified, expedited, and streamlined through the single-window mechanism of the Cambodia Development Council (CDC).

Third, strong government support: Cambodia pays serious attention to and provides robust support for investors, evident in open dialogue and the regular “Royal Government and Private Sector Forum” chaired directly by the Prime Minister, which addresses various challenges faced by investors.

Fourth, strategic location and connectivity: Cambodia is located in the heart of the ASEAN region and boasts an extensive infrastructure network, including the important “Funan Techo Canal” project, established to enhance transport system efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Fifth, connectivity and access to global markets: Cambodia is a member of ASEAN, a party to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and has bilateral free trade agreements with China and South Korea, in addition to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates, further enhancing the advantages and potential of these markets.

Sixth, sustainable energy and green growth: Cambodia possesses renewable energy sources (hydropower, solar, and wind) that accounted for 63% of the total energy mix as of July 2026, supporting business sustainability. The country has set a clear target to raise this share to 70% by 2030 and to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050.

Geographical distance is no longer an obstacle when we are united by a shared vision for progress and mutual prosperity. The Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia is firmly committed to providing facilitation and specialized guidance to translate the outcomes of these discussions into tangible results, including business visits, strategic partnerships, official agreements, and actual investment projects in 2027 and subsequent years.