Overview of business in Cambodia

Overview of business in Cambodia

With a renewed economic dynamism, Cambodia has started a new growth cycle. Growing from an economy that is very dependent on raw materials and tourism, Cambodia is now engaged towards industry and export.

Map of Cambodia
Map of Cambodia
  • Official country name: Kingdom of Cambodia
  • Capital: Phnom Penh
  • Total Area: 181,035 km²
  • Government: Unitary dominant-party parliamentary elective constitutional monarchy
  • Currency: Riel – KHR
  • Drives on the: right
  • Calling Code: +855
  • Internet TLD: .kh

Demographics

  • Population: 15,957,223 (July 2016 Estimate)
  • Population Density: 81.8/km²
  • Official Languages: Khmer
  • HDI: 0.563 (medium)
  • Ethnic Groups: (2013)
    • 97.6% Khmer
    • 1.2% Chams
    • 0.1% Vietnamese
    • 0.1% Chinese
    • 0.9% Other

Taxes in Cambodia

Aiming at helping local businesses and foreign companies, the Cambodian government has set an attractive tax system.

Key economic data of Cambodia

Royal Arms of Cambodia
Royal Arms of Cambodia
  • GDP (PPP): USD 64.405 Billion (2017 Estimate)
  • GDP per Capita (PPP): USD 4,022
  • GDP (Nominal): USD 20.953 Billion (2017 Estimate)
  • GDP per Capita (Nominal): USD 1,308
  • GDP Growth: 7% (2016)
  • GDP by sector: (2012 Estimate)
    • agriculture: 34.7%
    • industry: 24.3%
    • services: 41.0%
  • Labor force: 8.8 million (2010)
  • Labor force by occupation: (2010)
    • agriculture 57.6%
    • industry 15.9%
    • services 26.5%
  • Unemployment: 3.5%
  • Inflation: 4.1%

Main industries of Cambodia

The Cambodian economy's renewed dynamism stimulates the construction sector; its gaming sector, growing industry, agricultural and natural resources complete the country's activity. These come in addition to a strong tourism sector, notably attracted by the world famous UNESCO World Heritage sites of Cambodia.

  • Construction
  • Casino gaming
  • Cement
  • Fishing
  • Garments
  • Gem mining
  • Rice milling
  • Rubber
  • Textiles
  • Tourism
  • Wood products

Cambodia digital

The improving infrastructures and spread of mobile phones have helped Cambodians to access the Internet and digital services.

Digital in Cambodia 2018
Numbers of Internet, social media and mobile users in Cambodia in 2018

Cambodia trade data

With low trade volumes, Cambodia aims at more trade through the development of industry and improved exploitation of natural resources.

Exports: USD 8.433 Billion (2012)

Export Goods:

  • clothing
  • timber
  • rubber
  • rice
  • fish
  • tobacco
  • footwear

Main Export Partners: (2012 Estimate)

  • United States 32.7%
  • United Kingdom 8.4%
  • Germany 7.7%
  • Canada 7.7%
  • Singapore 6.6%
  • Vietnam 5.8%
  • Japan 4.7%

Imports: USD 8.840 Billion (2012)

Import Goods:

  • petroleum products
  • cigarettes
  • gold
  • construction materials
  • machinery
  • motor vehicles
  • pharmaceutical products

Main Import Partners: (2012 Estimate)

  • Thailand 27.2%
  • Vietnam 20.0%
  • China 19.5%
  • Singapore 7.1%
  • Hong Kong 5.9%
  • South Korea 4.3%

Latest business resources for Cambodia

Cambodia: 4 infographics on population, wealth, economy

Cambodia infographics

Though Cambodia is the least developed country of ASEAN in economic terms, it is nonetheless on a track to rapid development thanks to new investments and business activity. This series of infographics presents key demographic and economic data of Cambodia, together with comparisons with ASEAN and world-leading countries. Continue reading →

The 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cambodia [photos]

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cambodia

Symbols of its ancient and rich culture, two sites in Cambodia have been classified by the UNESCO as World Heritage sites for Humanity. Cambodia has one of the world’s most famous World Heritage Site with the temples of Angkor in the surroundings of Siem Reap, in addition with the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear. Continue reading →

Guide to taxes in Cambodia [brackets-incentives]

Taxes in Cambodia

Cambodia is a business-friendly country, with a progressive but low income tax, a low corporate income tax and low equivalent to VAT which make it attractive for work and business. Other taxes are also in the lower range, further enabling professionals and companies to consider Cambodia for their operations. Continue reading →

Explore Angkor Wat from home

Angkor Wat Google Maps

Google has just created an amazing resource to explore the temples of Angkor with a special “Street View” website of Google Maps. In this first-person 3D reconstructionfrom assembled pictures, anyone can visit the most famous temples of Siem Reap and view in great details their amazing architecture and art as if they were there. Continue reading →

The virtuous circle of Cambodian manufacturing

Manufacturing in Cambodia

A series of challenges affecting China, Thailand and Vietnam have attracted investments in factories in Cambodia, stimulating the economy, the rise of wages and development of skilled labor. This video from Bloomberg presents the interests and benefits of the developing manufacturing sector in Cambodia. Continue reading →

12 free maps of ASEAN countries

Free maps of ASEAN countries

Some maps might come in handy to illustrate your point in your website or blogs, so here is a collection of some free maps available around the web for South East Asia and each of the 10 ASEAN countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Continue reading →

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Cambodia icon Cambodia Business Directory

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