CAPRED | Elevating Cambodia's Economy with Australia

Policy is at the heart of what we do. CAPRED advocates for important and sustainable policy reforms from the platform of real, on-the-ground investments.

Cambodia is looking toward a period of global economic transformation. It requires bold, evidence-based policy formulation that thinks outside the economic model of labour and capital accumulation.

The Policy Hub provides technical assistance to key Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) agencies to develop, implement, review and strengthen priority policies and programs on public and private investment. It focuses on linkages with Australian institutions, implementation support and strengthening gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) integration in policy making.

POLICY HUB’S SUPPORT TO THE ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF CAMBODIA

Our Approach

The Policy Hub aims to support improved policy implementation through inter-related “bottom-up” and “top-down” approaches.

Bottom-Up Approach

The Policy Hub takes a problem-based approach, working hands-on with line agencies and the private sector. It focuses on key sector-level policy, regulatory and practical issues curbing investment. It identifies and trials approaches to resolve those problems and unlock investment.

This could include co-investment, helping to pilot new business models, services and financing models; brokering partnerships or strengthening public–private dialogue; helping to tackle private sector information or coordination gaps; and boosting public and private sector capacity.

Top-Down Approach

The Policy Hub provides technical assistance to RGC agencies to move the government’s high-level economic recovery strategy into more detailed policy measures and to support implementation.

Latest resources

See our latest resources from across the CAPRED program.

Laser land levelling is revolutionising Cambodia’s rice industry, boosting productivity and preparing farmers to face climate challenges. This advanced technology ensures precise field levelling, conserving water, reducing costs, minimising pests, and improving rice quality and yield.

With Australia’s support, Mr Meun Sor, a laser land levelling pioneer in Banteay Meanchey, has expanded his business from 3 to 100 hectares annually.

Many Cambodian farmers rely on costly chemical products, putting their health and the environment at risk. To address this issue, Australia partners with the private sector to introduce the use of agricultural drones.

Ms To Kosal, a drone service provider in Battambang, has helped more than 80% of local farmers adopt this technology. With her fleet of drones, she is empowering farmers to:
🪲 combat pests efficiently to minimise crop damage
💧 conserve water
🌱 lower chemical use
👨‍ reduce negative health impacts on workers
🌾 increase productivity.

As demand soars, Ms. Kosal is expanding her operations to better serve her community. Through the CAPRED program, Australia is working to support the use of agricultural drones in other areas of Cambodia, contributing to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth.

Did you know? Most Cambodian agri-businesses have to send their product samples abroad for testing prior to export. This costly and time-consuming process hinders companies’ competitiveness in exports. Australia recently launched a collaboration with the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) to establish accredited in-country testing services for pesticide residue, antibiotic residue and heavy metals. This initiative will help businesses ensure safe, high-quality food products and expand to new markets. Australia through the CAPRED program aims to help Cambodia increase its export capacity, contributing to resilient, inclusive and sustainable economic growth.