EuroCham Cambodia to Promote Economic Connectivity in the Mekong Region

The Mekong region has long been considered a region on the rise and with impressive GDP growth, improved infrastructure, and the recent signing of free-trade-agreements, it’s set to carve out an even larger role in the global economy.

To encourage more economic integration within the region and ASEAN, EuroCham Cambodia and its partners are organising the inaugural ASEAN-Cambodia Business Summit this 28-29 September. The two-day event will highlight the benefits of investment in Cambodia while analysing the economic factors at play in ASEAN and the globe.

Headlining the event, which is the result of a partnership between EuroCham, ARISE+ Cambodia, and the European Union Delegation to Cambodia, will be several prominent leaders from the public and private sector, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth. His Excellency will receive the first copy of EuroCham Cambodia’s 2024 White Book, a compilation of business recommendations put forth by the chamber’s sectoral committees. Other confirmed speakers for the event include Mr. Ahmad Zafarullah Abdul Jalil, Director of the ASEAN Integration Monitoring Directorate; Mr. Petros Sourmelis, Head of Trade & Economic Section at the EU Delegation in Thailand; and Mr. Marko Walde, Chief Representative of AHK in Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. They will be joined by leading experts from Cambodia and abroad to offer an upto-date analysis of the factors shaping the Mekong and ASEAN regions today. EuroCham Cambodia Executive Martin Brisson said the summit presents an opportunity to push for an agenda form a regional perspective, following the theme of economic integration. “This summit marks the completion of months of work to foster regional integration, trade, and enable a favorable business environment for the growth of Cambodia’s economy.

We are looking forward to inviting much anticipated speakers to Cambodia to discuss these issues at the highest level, one month after the newly formed Cambodian government will take office. We are very hopeful that this summit will be a landmark,” he said.

Mr. Bryan Fornari, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Cambodia, remarked: “We are glad to take part in this initiative that will contribute to identify relevant investment opportunities and new sectors with local added value for the economic development of Cambodia, as it seeks to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2027. The partnership with the Private Sector remains crucial and we are keen to explore this engagement under the framework of the Global Gateway, promoting investments in quality infrastructure and connecting goods, people and services in a sustainable way”.

Chris Humphrey, the Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council will join as a moderator and panelist, touching on the subjects of strategic partnerships between ASEAN and Europe, as well as strategies to improve business connectivity in the region.

“The summit provides a platform for networking with economic players from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, ASEAN experts, and EU experts. The event offers a relaxed environment to connect with like-minded individuals and potential business partners. With experts presenting on infrastructure developments, investment opportunities, digital transformations, and a comprehensive view of the economic landscape of the region, attendees will gain valuable insights into the Mekong region’s integration and connectivity, which is becoming an essential economic sub-region within ASEAN,” he said.

For details on the summit, including a full list of speakers and agendas for the two days, please visit our website by scanning the QR code.