Additional Cambodia resources
Understanding how economics, politics and government intersect can help businesses navigate Cambodia's market with confidence. This chapter outlines key institutions, economic zones, essential contacts and support resources for business success.
Country information
Politics and government
Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliamentary government. The King serves as the head of state while the Prime Minister is the elected head of government. The executive branch is ruled by the party that wins the most seats in the National Assembly. The Prime Minister is then appointed by the King from within the elected party.
Legislative power is vested in a bicameral parliament. The National Assembly holds elections every five years for its 125 members. The Senate is the upper house of the Cambodian legislature. It consists of 62 members serving six-year terms; two members of the Senate are appointed by the King, two are elected by the National Assembly and the remaining 58 are elected by local government commune councillors across the country.
The Cambodian People's Party has ruled the country since 1979. As several of the larger opposition parties have been banned, Cambodia has become a de facto one-party state.
Legal system
The 1993 constitution established Cambodia’s court system. Territorial courts operate at the municipal and provincial level. Decisions made in these courts may be challenged through the Appeal Court or the Supreme Court. Chaired by the King, the Supreme Council of Magistracy is responsible for appointing judges and prosecutors at all levels. Despite being constitutionally independent, the judiciary is closely aligned with the ruling Cambodian People's Party and has been subject to allegations of corruption.
Cambodia’s government and judicial structure
Key government agencies
Key government agencies and industry associations will need to be consulted throughout the process of setting up a business in Cambodia. Some of these agencies can also be useful for providing advice and initiating contacts.
The main agencies and their areas of authority relating to foreign businesses are:
| Government agency | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Commerce (MoC) | Regulates trade, commerce and intellectual property rights. Oversees the Department of Intellectual Property Rights, which handles all IP applications and disputes. Businesses can access support for commercial activities, business registration services and annual filing requirements |
| General Department of Taxation (GDT) | Manages tax collection and administration. Implements tax policies, processes tax returns and enforces tax compliance. Offers online services for tax registration, filing and payment. Businesses will go through GDT for tax registration and ensuring compliance with Cambodian tax laws |
| Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT) | Oversees labor laws, employment standards and vocational training programs. Regulates working conditions, minimum wages and labor disputes. Provides skills training and certification programs. Businesses must involve MLVT for drafting employment contracts, ensuring labor law compliance and conducting inspections |
| Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) | Cambodia’s primary investment promotion agency provides investment incentives, approves investment projects and supports economic development initiatives. Coordinates with other government agencies to streamline investment processes |
| National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) | Central bank responsible for monetary policy, banking regulation and financial stability. Issues currency, manages monetary policy and supervises financial institutions. Provides guidelines for banking operations and financial services |
| Ministry of Environment (MoE) | Ensures environmental protection and promotes sustainable development. Conducts environmental impact assessments, enforces environmental laws and implements conservation projects. Businesses go through MoE for environmental assessments, sustainability initiatives and compliance checks |
| Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MISTI) | Supports industrial development, scientific research and technological innovation. Issues industrial permits, promotes research and development and issues grants |
Special economic zones
Cambodia’s first special economic zones (SEZs) were created in 2006 to encourage investment and growth in the country. In 2025, Cambodia had over 55 SEZs. To operate in an SEZ, businesses must be certified as a Qualified Investment Project (QIP). In addition to incentives offered to all QIPs, those operating in an SEZ receive further advantages such as tax exemptions for imports, exports, VAT and others, depending on the type of project. Changes to Cambodian investment law in 2021 has made it easier for businesses to access SEZ incentives.
Cambodia SEZ Map
Cambodia-Australia bilateral relationship
Australia and Cambodia will mark 75 years of bilateral relations in 2027. Australia engages with Cambodia through development projects such as the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development and the Mekong-Australia Partnership. Both initiatives are focused on helping Cambodia achieve resilient, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development.
Cambodia is a valued trading partner to Australia. Cambodia and Australia have enjoyed a bilateral market access arrangement since 2004. The two countries also signed onto the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) in 2010, providing preferential market access and promoting trade across the region. Australia and Cambodia ratified the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2022 to strengthen trade policies for service provision, economic cooperation, e-commerce, IP, PPPs and small and medium sized businesses. Further information on the bilateral relationship is available from DFAT.
Useful contacts and support resources
Government organisations
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
DFAT manages Australia’s international network, including in Cambodia. Australia has an Embassy in Phnom Penh.
Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
Austrade is the Australian Government agency responsible for facilitating international trade and investment. Austrade can provide advice on the market, potential in-market partners and export marketing services.
Export Finance Australia (EFA)
EFA provides information, support and export finance solutions to Australian businesses looking to expand overseas.
State government agencies
Many state government agencies have representatives or offices in Southeast Asia, including New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia.
Business and industry associations
AustCham Cambodia
The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia represents and promotes Australian businesses operating in the country. AusCham coordinates a regular program of business seminars, networking and social functions for the business community.
Export Council of Australia
The Export Council of Australia is the peak industry body for the Australian export community.
Programs and support
Go Global Toolkit
Austrade's Go Global Toolkit provides information, tools and support to grow your business globally through a range of digital for every stage of the export journey.
Export Market Development Grants (EMDG)
Austrade seeks to help small to medium Australian enterprises grow their exports in international markets through their EMDG grant program.
Industry Growth Program
The Industry Growth Program supports innovative SMEs undertaking commercialisation or growth projects in the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas.
State or territory government trade and investment agencies may also run programs and provide support to businesses looking to expand into international markets. Please consult your relevant state or territory agency for more information.
References
A select list of sources used in the development of this publication are included below.
Acclime
Asian Development Bank
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Austrade
Bertelsmann Transformation Index
BNG Legal
Cambodia Development Resource Institute
Cambodia Government (various sources)
CEIC Data
Confluences
Cultural Atlas
Dezan Shira and Associates
DFDL
Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia
EuroCham Cambodia
Euromonitor
Heritage Foundation
International Business Chamber of Cambodia
International Monetary Fund
International Federation of Accountants
International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators
King & Wood Mallesons
NYU Law
PwC
The Heritage Foundation
Transparency International
United Nations Council of Trade and Development
US AID
US Department of State
US International Trade Administration
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Transparency International
VISA
We Are Social
World Bank
World Economic Forum
World Intellectual Property Organization
World Trade Organization
A note on currency
All money amounts are in Australian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
The following exchange rates were used throughout:
AUD 1 = KHR 2,593
AUD 1 = USD 0.6482
1 KHR = AUD 0.000386
Acknowledgements
Asialink Business gratefully acknowledges the assistance and information from the following organisations in the production of this Doing Business Guide:
Austrade Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
AusCham Cambodia
Harpswell Foundation
Several businesspeople provided anonymous review. We extend to them our sincere appreciation.
Disclaimer
This publication contains country and industry general information and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. While all efforts have been made by Asialink Business to ensure that the data and information provided herein are accurate, the accuracy of the information in the future cannot be guaranteed.
Users of this document should undertake their own independent analysis and obtain appropriate professional advice, if required, before acting upon such information in any given situation. Asialink Business accepts no liability for any loss which may arise from the use of the information contained in this publication.
Reproduction of any part of this publication without prior written approval of Asialink Business is strictly prohibited. The information in this document is accurate as of March 2026.