- Ambassador Chhay Makara calls for stronger trade, investment and business partnerships as Cambodia celebrates National Independence Day on November 9
- From independence to economic ambition; from conflict to peace Cambodia offers new chapter in Kuwait relations; courts Kuwaiti investors
Cambodia celebrates its 73rd National Independence Day on November 9, commemorating the country’s liberation from French colonial rule in 1953 and highlighting its journey from decades of conflict to peace, national unity and economic development.
In a message marking the occasion, Cambodia’s Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E Chhay Makara, extended greetings and best wishes to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti government and people.
The ambassador described November 9 as a defining milestone in Cambodia’s history, marking the restoration of national sovereignty through the Royal Crusade for Independence led by the late King-Father Norodom Sihanouk. His diplomatic efforts and commitment to national independence brought the country freedom from French colonial rule.
However, Cambodia’s independence was followed by decades of civil conflict and genocide during the 1970s. The ambassador credited former prime minister and current President of the Supreme Privy Council Hun Sen and his Win-Win Policy with bringing lasting peace and national unity in 1998, laying the foundation for the country’s subsequent development under King Norodom Sihamoni.
Reflecting on Cambodia’s experience of war and destruction, Makara stressed that the country deeply understands the importance of peace and stability. He highlighted its transformation from a country that once hosted United Nations peacekeeping forces into an active contributor to international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.
Over the past two decades, Cambodia has deployed 10,914 male and female peacekeepers to 10 countries, including Sudan, South Sudan, Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Mali, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their missions have included humanitarian assistance, infrastructure development and demining operations.
Cambodia is also preparing to host the 20th Francophonie Summit on November 15-16, 2026, for the first time in its history. The gathering will bring together heads of state and government from the 90 member states to promote diplomatic dialogue, economic cooperation and international solidarity.
On the economic front, the ambassador highlighted the government’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I, under Prime Minister Hun Manet, as the framework guiding Cambodia’s development. The strategy aims to help the country achieve upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Cambodia recorded average annual GDP growth of around 7 percent for more than two decades. The economy has since demonstrated resilience, with average growth projected at 4.9 percent and inflation at 2.8 percent over the 2021-2028 period, according to the ambassador’s message.
Cambodia-Kuwait relations
The ambassador also highlighted the longstanding friendship between Cambodia and Kuwait, which marked its 32nd anniversary in July 2026. Built on mutual trust and respect, bilateral relations have developed across political, trade, investment, and education and tourism sectors.
He recalled the visits in 2008 and 2009 by then Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and then Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, which helped establish a stronger framework for bilateral cooperation.
Another milestone came in May 2025 during the ASEAN-GCC summits in Kuala Lumpur, when Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah to reaffirm the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening their friendship.
The Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Kuwait, Makara said, remains committed to serving as a bridge for expanding political, cultural and investment cooperation.
He stressed that considerable opportunities remain to deepen economic relations through increased bilateral trade, business-to-business engagement and new investment partnerships, calling for closer collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Cambodia highlights investment opportunities
The ambassador outlined six advantages that make Cambodia an attractive destination for Kuwaiti investors.
These include a young and adaptable workforce, with 60 percent of the population below the age of 35, and a business-friendly environment offering incentives such as tax holidays of up to 12 years, 100 percent foreign ownership and unrestricted profit repatriation. Investment procedures are also facilitated through the Council for the Development of Cambodia’s one-stop service.
He highlighted government support for investors through regular consultations and the Government-Private Sector Forum chaired by the prime minister.
Cambodia’s strategic location in the heart of ASEAN, supported by expanding infrastructure networks, including the Funan Techo Canal project, was another advantage. Its membership in ASEAN and participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), together with free trade agreements with China and South Korea and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, provide access to wider regional markets.
Sustainable energy is another area of opportunity. Cambodia had reached 63 percent renewable energy usage as of July 2026 and aims to increase this to 70 percent by 2030, with a longer-term target of carbon neutrality by 2050. Hydropower, solar and wind energy are central to this transition.
Ambassador Makara said geographical distance should not prevent the two countries from pursuing shared economic opportunities. The Cambodian Embassy is ready to provide guidance and support to translate interest into business visits, strategic partnerships and concrete investment projects in 2027 and beyond.
The Cambodian envoy called for the celebration of not only Cambodia’s independence and peace but also the enduring friendship between Cambodia and Kuwait, expressing hope that bilateral relations will continue to grow and bring prosperity, happiness and peace to both peoples.
