5 min read
February 18, 2026

Cambodia Investment & Policy Daily Briefing — 2026-02-14

Infrastructure & Industrial Development

MISTI and RMA Discuss Ford Plant Expansion and Local Sourcing

The Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) met with RMA Cambodia to discuss the expansion of the Ford vehicle assembly plant and strategies to increase local component production. The Minister encouraged RMA to strengthen backward linkages by integrating Cambodian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into their supply chain.

(MISTI · ref)

Cambodia and Laos Explore New Cross-Border Road Connection

An inter-ministerial delegation led by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) inspected potential locations for a new road connection between Ratanakkiri province (Cambodia) and Attapeu province (Laos). The initiative aims to enhance trade, tourism, and transportation between the two nations, following outcomes from high-level bilateral meetings held in 2024.

(MPWT · ref)

MISTI Signs MoU to Strengthen Industrial Safety Inspection

MISTI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Te Zhong Shebei Jiance Yanjiu Yuan (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. to enhance cooperation on inspecting high-risk industrial equipment. The agreement focuses on capacity building and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for inspecting machinery, boilers, pressure vessels, and elevators to ensure industrial safety compliance.

(MISTI · ref)

MISTI Pilots ASEAN Technology Management Hub

MISTI hosted a validation workshop for the ASEAN Technology Management Hub (TMH), a digital platform designed to connect innovators with investors across the 10 ASEAN member states. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and market application, fostering a regional innovation ecosystem.

(MISTI · ref)

MME Announces Electricity Service Reforms

The Electricity Authority of Cambodia (EAC) announced service reforms including a 50% reduction in connection and upgrade times for consumers requiring up to 20 Amperes (3-phase). Additionally, connection and upgrade fees are waived for residential connections ranging from 5 to 20 Amperes (1-phase), alongside efforts to expand EV charging stations nationwide.

(MME · ref)

Progress Reported on Ta Khmau Sewerage System Project

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport reported that the Sewerage System Development Project in Ta Khmau Town is over 20% complete. The project includes a waste stabilization pond treatment plant, seven pumping stations, and over 125 kilometers of sewage networks covering five communes in Kandal province.

(MPWT · ref)

Trade, Economy & Finance

Commerce Official Shares Secured Transactions Reform Success at UN

A Secretary of State from the Ministry of Commerce presented Cambodia's modernization of the Secured Transactions Filing Office (SETFO 2.0) at the United Nations in New York. The reform facilitates access to credit for businesses by enabling the use of movable assets, such as inventory and agricultural products, as collateral.

(Ministry of Commerce · ref)

Cambodia and Canada Hold Bilateral Consultations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation co-chaired the Second Cambodia-Canada Bilateral Consultations. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and demining, as well as Cambodia's hosting of the Francophonie Summit in 2026. Canada was also briefed on the Cambodia-Thailand border situation.

(MFAIC · ref)

17th Round of ASEAN-Canada FTA Negotiations

The Ministry of Commerce delegation participated in the 17th ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) Trade Negotiation Committee meeting in Jakarta. The session reviewed progress and set work plans to accelerate negotiations towards a substantial conclusion by 2026.

(Ministry of Commerce · ref)

EU-German GATE Project Reviews Trade Facilitation Progress

The Steering Committee for the EU-German Global Access and Trade Expertise (GATE) project held its 3rd meeting to review support for Cambodia's LDC graduation preparation. Key areas include support for ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) negotiations, consumer protection, data privacy, and trade facilitation for SMEs.

(Ministry of Commerce · ref)

Launch of Mekong-Lancang SME Integration Project

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched a project to promote regional economic integration and prioritize SMEs in the Mekong-Lancang region to benefit from the RCEP agreement. The initiative aims to enhance trade cooperation and sustainable development among member countries.

(MFAIC · ref)

MPTC Discusses Digital Payment Integration with Georgia

The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications met with the National Bank of Georgia to discuss digital transformation and payment systems. Discussions included the potential implementation of Cambodia's Bakong payment system and verify.gov.kh platform in Georgia to facilitate cross-border transactions.

(MPTC · ref)

MoE and Banking Sector Host Green Climate Fund Workshop

The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) and GGGI, organized a capacity-building workshop on developing projects for the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The session targeted financial institutions and regulators to enhance understanding of GCF investment criteria and climate risk frameworks.

(MoE · ref)

ACAR Disseminates Financial Audit Regulatory Framework

The Accounting and Auditing Regulator (ACAR) conducted a workshop on the regulatory framework for financial audits. The session aimed to clarify compliance requirements for entities under the supervision of the Non-Bank Financial Services Authority (NBFSA).

(ACAR · ref)

Trust Regulator Reviews Public Financial Management Reform

The Trust Regulator participated in a technical meeting to review the 2025 Annual Monitoring and Evaluation Report for Stage 4 of the Public Financial Management Reform Program (PFMRP), focusing on performance accountability.

(Trust Regulator · ref)

SERC Participates in iFX EXPO Dubai

The Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC) attended iFX EXPO Dubai 2026 to engage with global financial industry leaders on derivatives, fintech, digital assets, and regulatory challenges in tokenization.

(SERC · ref)

Legal, Regulatory & Enforcement

MoJ Reviews Draft Law on Notary Statutes

The Ministry of Justice convened a meeting to review the Draft Law on Notary Statutes. The draft aims to regulate the notary profession, ensure legal certainty, prevent disputes, and increase trust in legal transactions. A French notary delegation participated in the review.

(MoJ · ref)

MoJ Discusses Amendments to Civil Code of Procedure

The Ministry of Justice's technical working group, supported by JICA experts, held its 36th meeting to review amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure, specifically examining Articles 249 to 253.

(MoJ · ref)

Ministry of Tourism Reviews Draft Sub-Decree on Organization

The Ministry of Tourism held a meeting to review the draft sub-decree on the Organization and Functioning of the Ministry. The session also set work directions for 2026, focusing on internal institutional strengthening and external sector development.

(Ministry of Tourism · ref)

Immigration Deports 448 Foreigners Including Online Scammers

The General Department of Immigration deported 448 foreigners of six nationalities. The group included 319 Chinese nationals involved in online scams, who were deported via special charter flights, and 48 Vietnamese nationals involved in illegal border crossing.

(GDI · ref)

Defense Ministry Updates on Border Ceasefire and Displaced Persons

The Ministry of National Defence reported that the Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff visited the border to observe the ceasefire. The Ministry noted that while a ceasefire is in effect, over 78,000 civilians remain displaced. Cambodia called on Thailand to respect the Joint Statement regarding the safe return of civilians.

(Defense Ministry · ref)

Indigenous Community Land Titled in Ratanakkiri

The Ratanakkiri Provincial Administration issued a collective land title to the Kreung indigenous community in Andong Meas district, covering over 2.5 hectares. This action supports the legal recognition of indigenous collective ownership under the Land Law.

(MLMUPC · ref)

Tonle Sap Authority Enforces Zone 3 Boundaries

The Tonle Sap Authority inspected Zone 3 boundary markers in Kampong Chhnang province to prevent encroachment on flooded forest land. The operation involves data collection on encroachment and identifying priority areas for reforestation.

(Tonle Sap Authority · ref)

MoE Clarifies Transboundary Haze Position

The Ministry of Environment issued a statement refuting claims that smoke haze from Cambodia is causing air pollution in Bangkok. Technical assessments cite current dry season monsoon wind patterns (northeast to southwest) as evidence that air masses are moving away from Thailand, not towards it.

(MoE · ref)

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