Legislative and Regulatory Developments
Customs Department Issues Notice on Tariff Reductions
The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) has issued Notification No. 0890/26 regarding the implementation of Sub-Decree No. 235 (dated December 3, 2025). This regulation updates the annex of Sub-Decree No. 210, facilitating the reduction or elimination of customs duties in accordance with the 2022 ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature. This move aligns Cambodia's tariff schedule with the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation among ASEAN Member States and the Republic of Korea, impacting importers and exporters leveraging these trade preferences.
(GDCE · Link)
Ministry of Justice Reviews Criminal Procedure Code Amendment
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Koeut Rith chaired a high-level meeting to review and discuss amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure. The session included leadership from the Ministry, judges, and prosecutors from various courts. The amendments aim to update procedural frameworks to improve judicial efficiency and align with current legal requirements.
(MoJ · Link)
Interior Ministry Drafts Regulations on Fines for Collective Residences
The Ministry of Interior is finalizing an inter-ministerial Prakas regarding the procedures for fining owners or managers of "collective residences" (concentrated living quarters). A related Prakas concerning the allocation of revenue from these fines is also under review. This regulation is likely part of broader efforts to regulate compounds and high-density accommodations often linked to foreign workforce management.
(GDI · Link)
Smart City Development Strategy Under Review
The Ministry of Interior held a technical meeting to gather inputs for the "National Strategy on Smart City Development in Cambodia." The session involved the National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development (NCDD) and the General Department of Digital Technology, focusing on creating a cohesive policy framework for urban modernization and digital integration at the municipal level.
(Digital Dept · Link)
Finance, Investment, and Economy
SERC Co-Chairs ASEAN Capital Market Committee
The Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC), alongside the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), co-chaired the ASEAN Working Committee on Capital Market Development (WC-CMD) meeting in the Philippines. As co-chair for the 2024-2026 term, SERC is playing a lead role in shaping regional capital market integration and development policies.
(SERC · Link)
Accounting Regulator Inspects CPA Training Accreditation
The Accounting and Auditing Regulator (ACAR) conducted a site assessment at the Institute of Finance and Accounting to evaluate its qualifications for becoming an accredited training institution for the Cambodia CPA program. This is part of ACAR’s mandate to standardize professional accounting education and expand the pool of qualified accountants in the market.
(ACAR · Link)
Pakistan Pharmaceutical Association Eyes Cambodia Investment
The Minister of Commerce met with the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) to discuss potential investment. The association expressed intent to establish manufacturing operations in Cambodia to produce and export pharmaceutical products to both domestic and regional markets, diversifying Cambodia's industrial base.
(MoC · Link)
Infrastructure and Public Administration
Government Advances Railway Improvement Plan with Japan
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) held discussions with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and JICA regarding the preliminary report on improving Cambodia's railway sector. The meeting involved technical experts from Nippon Koei and JR West, aiming to finalize a comprehensive study to modernize the national rail network.
(MPWT · Link)
National Institute of Statistics Takes Over Commune Data Management
The Ministry of Planning officially transferred the management of the Commune/Sangkat Database system to the National Institute of Statistics (NIS). This follows Sub-Decree No. 03 (establishing NIS as a public administrative institution) and marks a shift toward centralized, standardized data management to support decentralization reforms and policy formulation.
(Planning · Link)
Bavet Waste Management Infrastructure Update
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport announced that the sanitary landfill sub-project in Bavet City is 100% complete. Meanwhile, the construction of the wastewater treatment plant and sewage network in Bavet has reached 6.11% completion, with a target completion date in July 2028. These projects are critical for the special economic zone's environmental sustainability.
(MPWT · Link)
Immigration Deportations Targeting Online Scams Continue
The General Department of Immigration deported 625 foreign nationals (including 110 Chinese nationals specifically linked to online scams) on February 7, followed by additional groups on subsequent days. The deportations targeted individuals involved in illegal border crossings, unauthorized stays, and cyber-enabled crimes, signaling continued strict enforcement against scam compounds.
(GDI · Link)
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