European business leaders eye Kingdom as strategic supply hub amid global trade shifts

phnompenhpost.com · Feb 27, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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EU-ABC delegates during a business mission to Phnom Penh in 2023. Supplied A high-level delegation of European business executives will visit Phnom Penh next week to explore opportunities in Cambodia, signalling the country’s growing importance as a hub connecting Southeast Asia and Europe amid global trade uncertainty. The EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) announced that around 30 senior executives representing more than 15 major European companies across the logistics, consumer goods, financial services and aviation sectors will meet senior Cambodian officials on March 4 and 5. Key engagements include discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol and Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul, as well as meetings with the Ministries of Economy and Finance, Public Works and Transport, Health and Environment. “Cambodia is emerging as a key market that links Southeast Asia and Europe, and European businesses are keen to explore further opportunities in the country,” said EU-ABC vice-chair Noel Clehane, who will lead the delegation. “We look forward to discussing how public-private cooperation can support Cambodia’s continued economic development and integration into global value chains,” he said. The visit comes at a pivotal moment for EU–ASEAN trade relations. Both regions are navigating global economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and shifting geopolitical dynamics. For European companies, Cambodia’s growing infrastructure network, strategic location and emerging digital economy offer potential avenues to diversify and strengthen their regional presence. Industry observers note that Cambodia’s logistics and transportation capabilities, coupled with investment incentives in key sectors, make it increasingly attractive for European firms seeking to participate in Southeast Asia’s expanding markets. Areas such as sustainable infrastructure, digital finance, healthcare and environmental services are expected to feature prominently in the discussions. “Since our last visit in 2023, Cambodia has made notable progress in improving the business environment and deepening economic ties with Europe,” said EU-ABC executive director Chris Humphrey. “We believe it will continue to play an important role in shaping economic cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia,” he added. The two-day mission is part of the EU-ABC’s ongoing efforts to promote engagement between European businesses and ASEAN countries. The council serves as a key advocacy platform for European firms operating in the region, facilitating dialogue with governments and aligning strategic interests to foster sustainable trade and investment growth. For Cambodia, the visit represents both recognition and opportunity. By attracting European investors and strengthening public-private cooperation, the country aims to accelerate its integration into regional supply chains while positioning itself as a reliable partner for international trade.