Cambodia is emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies driven by a young, ambitious and increasingly skilled workforce. 

In line with Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, we’re working to boost trade and investment between our two countries including by developing tools for the Royal Government of Cambodia like this video. 

Stronger economic ties mean a more prosperous future for both our countries.

Australia has helped over 1.2 million rural Cambodians to access clean piped water, and we’re committed to continue supporting Cambodia to achieve universal access to clean water by 2030.  

In Kampong Thom’s Sambo district, more than 24,300 people now have access to safe, piped water thanks to Australia’s support to a local private water operator through CAPRED.  

For IDPoor cardholder Ka Huy, this access has made all the difference. It has eased the daily burden of collecting water, protected her from dry season shortages, and ensured safe water is available for daily use.  

🎥 Watch Ka Huy’s story and see how clean water is transforming lives across Cambodia.

On World Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day, Australia celebrates the resilience and innovation of Cambodian MSMEs.

In Cambodia, small businesses power the economy - making up 90 percent of all businesses, driving two-thirds of GDP, and employing 70 percent of the workforce.

Through the Cnai Accelerator Cambodia the Australian Government is supporting start-ups like Cam Agro with business training and seed funding. Cam Agro partners with smallholder farmers, offering fair prices and predictable orders — helping families like Kong Neam’s earn stable incomes and keep their children in school.

Australia is proud to stand with Cambodia’s MSMEs as they build brighter futures across the country.  🌱

🎥 Watch the video to learn more about the program 

Australia Convened High-Level Dialogue on Cambodia’s Economic Future

Through the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED), Australia hosted a high-level policy dialogue on Cambodia’s economic growth and diversification. Keynote speaker Professor Ricardo Hausmann of Harvard University joined senior Cambodian officials, development partners, and private sector leaders to explore pathways for sustainable, inclusive, and diversified growth. 
 
In this 14-minute conversation, Professor Hausmann discusses Cambodia’s recent economic growth and prospects, explores the importance of economic diversification for resilient and sustainable development, and the roles of development partners working in Cambodia.   
 
Australia is committed to promoting strategic policy dialogue for a stronger, more prosperous Cambodia.

https://youtu.be/j9dJGzAAsiw

Australia supports Cambodia to unlock its cashew industry potential

Did you know Cambodia is the world’s second-largest producer of raw cashews? 

In 2024, Cambodia produced over 880,000 tonnes of raw cashews, yet less than 10% is processed locally, with most being exported. This creates an opportunity to add value through local processing, boosting sales and benefiting farmers, processors, and communities. 

Australia is working with the Cambodian Government to develop policies to support investors in the agriculture and agro-processing sectors. Through our flagship CAPRED program, we support small- and medium-sized producers to increase their processing capacity, attract more investment and help expand their markets internationally.   

Watch this video to learn more about Cambodia’s cashew potential. 
https://youtu.be/cbH8hU4_JuA 

Australia, through Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED), invited Professor Ricardo Hausmann, founder and director of Harvard’s Growth Lab, to Cambodia in February to lead a high-level workshop on economic diversification strategies and to meet with leaders from government, development partners and the private sector. 
 
Professor Hausmann closed his visit by sharing his reflections on Cambodia’s economic trajectory and priorities and Australia’s contribution in supporting Cambodia’s economic transformation.

To watch his full economic diversification presentation in Cambodia, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--3y3pX6uVw&t=177s