AGP Executive Report

Productivity & Industry: APO handed Cambodia’s government an Institutional Capability Development Plan for the National Productivity Centre, aiming to boost productivity, innovation, digital transformation and green growth as Cambodia prepares to graduate from least developed country status in 2029. Cybercrime & Scams: US FBI Director Kash Patel met PM Hun Manet and senior police to pledge stronger cooperation against online scam networks, including information sharing and accountability for scam bosses and facilitators. Regional Energy Security: Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn pushed ASEAN to accelerate the Petroleum Security Pact, advance the ASEAN Power Grid and expand renewable investment, linking energy security to regional integration. Cambodia–Thailand Border Tensions: Cambodia protested alleged Thai road construction and barbed-wire installation in Oddar Meanchey, warning of sovereignty violations amid the wider border dispute. Agriculture Under El Niño: Authorities reported drought hitting over 180,000 hectares of rice across seven provinces, with emergency pumping and monitoring to limit damage. Water Governance: Cambodia and Australia kicked off work on an Interim National Water Master Plan to strengthen climate-resilient water management. UNESCO & Preah Vihear: UNESCO reaffirmed monitoring support for Preah Vihear and offered cultural cooperation to help ease Cambodia–Thailand tensions. Trade & Industry: Cambodia exported about $1B in vehicle tires in H1 2026, up 55%, reflecting growth in the tire manufacturing sector.

ASEAN–US Security: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told ASEAN partners in Manila the US “will never abandon” the bloc, while warning Iran’s proposed control of Strait of Hormuz tolls would set a dangerous precedent. Online Scam Crackdown: FBI Director Kash Patel met PM Hun Manet in Phnom Penh to push joint action against transnational cybercrime, with Cambodia saying it will host an international scam-fighting conference in September. Regional Crime Costs: UNODC said Asia-Pacific scam losses hit up to $114bn in 2025, as networks shift and diversify even amid raids. Cambodia–Thailand Border: Cambodia lodged fresh protests over Thai road building and barbed-wire works in Oddar Meanchey, calling it a sovereignty violation and linking it to the 2025 clashes. Energy & Investment: Cambodia received a World Bank concessional loan ($110m) and grant ($5m) for sustainable energy transition projects, including battery storage and grid upgrades. Diplomacy & Defence: Japan reaffirmed support for Cambodia and formalized about $3m in OSA aid for army communications and navy patrol boats. ASEAN Priorities: FM Prak Sokhonn flagged energy security as a top ASEAN goal, urging faster ASEAN petroleum security and power grid progress. Human Rights: Cambodia urged safe, voluntary return for over 20,000 displaced people blocked by Thai military barriers.

ASEAN Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told ASEAN partners in Manila the U.S. “will never abandon” the bloc, pointing to $2.5bn in strategic investments and $1.5bn via the Development Finance Corporation. Border Humanitarian Fallout: Cambodia’s FM Prak Sokhonn urged ASEAN to back the safe return of 20,000+ civilians displaced by the Thailand border conflict, citing children out of school and limited access to care. Thailand Talks Row: Cambodia rejected Thailand’s claim it stalled land-border talks, saying Phnom Penh is resuming demarcation and warning against “pretexts” for delays. Inflation Relief Budget: PM Hun Manet said government spending will rise to ease inflation, including forgoes of $50–$60m monthly from fuel and electricity import tax cuts, while maintaining education and health funding. Social Protection Push: Cambodia highlighted that about 88% of the workforce is in the informal economy, with millions covered by social health protection schemes. Cybercrime Crackdown: UNODC reported Asia-Pacific scam losses of $88–$114bn in 2025 as Cambodia intensifies enforcement; regional cybersecurity officials also met in Siem Reap to strengthen cross-border cooperation. Aviation & Industry: Air Cambodia signed to buy up to 20 COMAC C909 jets, with first deliveries from late 2026, while China Energy International signaled expansion into cement, clean water and renewables.

Cambodia–Thailand Border Row: Cambodia rejected Thailand’s claim that Phnom Penh stalled land border talks, saying Bangkok is creating “pretexts for deliberate delays” and stressing UNCLOS conciliation concerns the maritime boundary, not the land dispute. Prime Minister Hun Manet on Governance & Economy: Hun Manet urged an end to social media speculation around the “doctor and boat rower” story, while also telling graduates to build experience early and reaffirming education and healthcare as top priorities; he added that Chinese firms are keen on AI training, electrical components, and agro-industry investments. Cambodia’s Diplomatic Push in Asia: Cambodia’s foreign ministry and leaders are active across regional forums, including ASEAN meetings in Manila, as China and Cambodia leaders trade messages of “ironclad friendship” and AI cooperation. Media Freedom Under Pressure: The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the two-year jailing of independent journalist Luot Sophal over reporting on alleged soldier water shortages tied to the Thailand border conflict. Customs & Public Finance: Cambodia’s General Department of Customs and Excise collected about $1.563 billion in H1, up 4.5% year-on-year, with policy changes affecting fuel and gas revenue. Crime & Scams Spotlight: A UNODC report estimates Asia-Pacific scam losses at up to $114.1 billion in 2025, with operations linked to Cambodia among key hotspots.

Border Diplomacy: Cambodia rejected Thailand’s claim that Phnom Penh stalled land border talks, saying the UNCLOS move concerns maritime issues only and urging Bangkok to stop “pretexts” as demarcation work resumes. ASEAN Foreign Policy: ASEAN ministers in Manila are set to tackle regional flashpoints including Myanmar and South China Sea tensions, with China, the US and Russia among expected high-level participants. Investment Push: PM Hun Manet met a Korean business delegation exploring expansion in manufacturing, finance, construction and AI-linked training, as Cambodia-US trade and investment cooperation also drew fresh attention from Senate President Hun Sen. Human Capital & AI: At a Siem Reap graduation, Hun Manet urged graduates to build experience early, reaffirmed education and healthcare as top priorities, and said Chinese firms are eyeing AI education, electrical components and agro-industry. Economic Management: Customs revenue rose 4.5% in H1 to about $1.563bn, while the government continues fuel-price support amid Middle East-driven inflation pressures. Governance & Culture: UNESCO reiterated close monitoring of Preah Vihear and pledged cultural cooperation to ease Cambodia–Thailand tensions. Security & Scams: UN reporting highlights massive Asia-Pacific losses from organized scam networks, with Cambodia and the region named among key operating areas. Trade & Industry: Cambodia and the Philippines launched an agriculture forum in Manila to boost rice, cashew and livestock trade, and China approved Cambodia’s first bird’s nest exporter to the Chinese market.

ASEAN Diplomacy in Manila: Cambodia’s Deputy PM and FM Prak Sokhonn joined the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in the Philippines, with US Sec. of State Marco Rubio and China FM Wang Yi among major partner attendees, as regional security, South China Sea tensions, and Middle East spillovers top the agenda. Cambodia–Thailand Friction: Thailand says land-border talks with Cambodia have stalled after Phnom Penh moved maritime issues into UNCLOS processes, while Bangkok also raised concerns with China over reported tank deliveries to Cambodia amid a fragile ceasefire. Parliamentary Diplomacy at Home: Cambodia is nearly ready to host the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2) in Phnom Penh (Aug 26–28), with Senate spokesperson Chea Thyrith telling AKP that around 50 countries and international organizations have confirmed participation. Human Capital & Business Climate: Hun Manet invited SMEs to flag obstacles to doing business, and the National Institute of Business launched 1,035 TVET scholarship slots for vulnerable youth under the TVET 1.5M push. Digital & AI Cooperation: Cambodia’s telecom minister Chea Vandeth toured WAIC’s AI exhibition in Shanghai and met major tech firms, signaling continued tech and digital cooperation. Consumer Protection: UK and Cambodia agreed to strengthen product safety and market surveillance, including SOP support for inspectors in Phnom Penh and border provinces later in 2026.

ASEAN Diplomacy in Manila: Cambodia’s top diplomats are in the Philippines for the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, with regional security, West Asia, Gaza, and ASEAN rice and power-grid priorities on the agenda. Cambodia–China One-China Row: China’s foreign ministry says DPP authorities are using visa facilitation to pressure countries over the one-China principle, after Taiwan reportedly moved to cancel Cambodia’s visa arrangements. Thailand–Cambodia Tensions: Thailand raised concerns with China over tank deliveries to Cambodia, warning the move could complicate a fragile de-escalation after 2025 border clashes and UNCLOS-related maritime friction. Japan Security Aid: Japan signed a first Official Security Assistance package worth 500 million yen to provide Cambodian army communications equipment and navy patrol boats. UK–Cambodia Consumer Protection: The UK and Cambodia are strengthening product safety and market surveillance, including plans for standard procedures to roll out to provinces and border regions. Water Research Cooperation: MOWRAM and CDRI signed an MoU to expand water-resources research, policy dialogue, capacity building, and climate resilience work. UNCLOS Maritime Pause: Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a procedural pause in UNCLOS conciliation after conciliators asked for more time to appoint a chair. AI and Tech Push: Minister Chea Vandeth met major tech firms at WAIC 2026 to deepen AI collaboration, while Cambodia also moved to invite public input to strengthen SMEs and reported a 25% jump in large-scale industrial factories by June.

Japan–Cambodia Security Ties: Japan signed a ¥500 million (about $3m) Official Security Assistance deal with Cambodia, pledging communications equipment for the Royal Cambodian Army and patrol boats for the Royal Cambodian Navy, marking a first OSA delivery to Phnom Penh. Cambodia–China Strategic Partnership: After Hun Manet’s China visit, Cambodia reiterated China’s support for priority infrastructure like the Funan Techo Canal, pledged deeper cooperation against online scams, and stressed the partnership is not a military alliance under Cambodia’s neutrality constitution. AI Governance Push: Cambodia joined WAICO as a founding member to shape global AI rules, while leaders at the Shanghai World AI Conference called for inclusive, secure AI governance and warned against single-country dominance. Thai Border Tensions: Hun Manet briefed Xi on reported Thai military incursions into Cambodian territory, with Xi urging dialogue to resolve the long-running border dispute. Civil Aviation & Investment: Air Cambodia ordered 20 Comac C909 regional jets, and COMAC signed an aviation cooperation MoU covering tech transfer and training; meanwhile Chinese firms signaled interest in Cambodia’s digital, telecom, infrastructure, and satellite sectors. Diplomacy Beyond Asia: Cambodia and Brazil discussed expanding agro-industry, innovation, and industrial development cooperation. Public Policy & Society: PM Hun Manet invited SME operators to submit ideas to strengthen the sector. Human Rights Watch: UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews will visit Cambodia next week to assess human rights and meet border conflict victims. Visa Politics: Taiwan removed Cambodia from two visa facilitation programmes from Aug 1, linking the change to Phnom Penh’s One China stance. Sports: Cambodia won its first SEA V-Cup volleyball title, beating Indonesia 3-2.

Cambodia–Japan Security Boost: Cambodia and Japan signed a 500 million yen Official Security Assistance deal, with communications gear for the Royal Cambodian Army and patrol vessels for the Navy, underlining tighter defence cooperation. UN Human Rights Watch: UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews will visit Cambodia from July 20–31 to assess human rights, including trafficking and the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, and will meet officials, civil society, and displaced victims. Border Tensions, China’s Push for Talks: Xi Jinping urged Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their long-running border dispute through dialogue, promising China’s “constructive role” after renewed fighting last year. Taiwan Cuts Visa Privileges: Taiwan will remove Cambodia from two visa-facilitation schemes from Aug. 1, linking the change to Phnom Penh’s reaffirmation of the One-China policy during Hun Manet’s China trip. AI Governance Comes to Cambodia: Cambodia joined the World AI Cooperation Organization as a founding member, aiming to shape global AI rules rather than just use the technology. SME Policy Input: Hun Manet invited SMEs to submit recommendations to strengthen the sector as Cambodia seeks more domestic production and jobs. Road Safety Collaboration: The FIA launched road safety projects across Asia-Pacific, including Cambodia’s plan for a road accident central database. NagaWorld Labour Standoff: NagaWorld union members protested outside the casino, demanding reinstatement of dismissed workers and an end to a dispute dragging on since 2021.

AI Governance at WAIC: President Xi Jinping used the Shanghai World AI Conference to push “symphony of global cooperation,” warning against “overstretching” national security and insisting AI should not be dominated by one country. Cambodia–China Strategic Partnership: After PM Hun Manet’s 15–17 July visit, Cambodia reiterated China support for the Funan Techo Canal and infrastructure, plus deeper “ironclad friendship” and a shift from 2+2 to 3+3 strategic dialogue. Sovereignty & Neutrality: Cambodia’s senior minister stressed the partnership is not a military alliance, citing the constitution’s neutrality requirement. Cyber Scams Cooperation: Phnom Penh and Beijing agreed to intensify joint efforts to combat online scam networks, including public security coordination. WAICO Founding Role: Cambodia joined the World AI Cooperation Organization as a founding member to shape global AI governance, not just use AI. Regional Security Briefing: Hun Manet told Xi about reported Thai military incursions into Cambodian territory, with China backing dialogue. Digital Skills Push: India’s embassy sent 30 Cambodian officials and teachers for AI-STEM training, signaling AI capacity-building for education. Sand Dredging Scrutiny: Mines and Energy Minister Keo Rottanak defended dredging practices amid public anger over land collapse and past fatalities. Labor Dispute Watch: NagaWorld union members protested outside the casino, demanding reinstatement and an end to a long-running labor fight. Visa Policy Ripple: Taiwan removed Cambodia from two visa-facilitation programs after Hun Manet’s China trip, linking future access to Taiwan policy reciprocity.

AI & Digital Diplomacy: Prime Minister Hun Manet used the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai to signal Cambodia’s shift toward AI-led growth, with Cambodia signing on as a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) and backing a broader push for “safe and fair” AI governance. China-Cambodia Ties: Xi Jinping reaffirmed “ironclad” friendship and urged deeper cooperation via the Diamond framework and industrial corridors, while Hun Manet met Chinese leaders on investment and technology partnerships. Energy & Borders: Cambodia pressed for faster resolution of the Gulf of Thailand dispute, warning that delays could shrink financing windows for offshore exploration. Regional Diplomacy: ASEAN foreign ministers’ meetings opened in Manila as Cambodia’s top diplomat prepared to attend, with energy security on the agenda. Press Freedom & Politics: Journalists convicted of treason—Pheap Pheara and Phon Sopheap—face renewed calls for royal amnesty, while the ruling NPP sought a pardon for Rong Chhun. Labor & Justice: NagaWorld union members staged a protest outside the casino, demanding reinstatement of dismissed workers and withdrawal of charges after a dispute lasting over four years. Scam Crackdown Backdrop: A Reuters report renewed scrutiny of casino-linked scam and trafficking operations tied to a border complex. Visa Policy: Taiwan removed Cambodia from two visa-facilitation programs, ending preferential entry arrangements.

AI Diplomacy in Shanghai: President Xi Jinping used the 2026 World AI Conference to push “global cooperation” on AI governance, announcing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) and urging a “symphony of global cooperation” rather than single-country control—while Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet and UN chief António Guterres backed multilateral, people-centered approaches. Cambodia–China Aviation & Investment: On the sidelines of Hun Manet’s China trip, Cambodia’s civil aviation authority and COMAC signed an MoU for technology transfer and training; meanwhile Chinese firms signaled deeper investment plans, including an “investment operations centre” and SME partnerships. Cambodia Joins WAICO: Minister Chea Vandeth endorsed WAICO’s founding agreement for Cambodia, making the Kingdom one of 29 founding members with WAICO headquartered in Shanghai. Press Freedom & Royal Pardon Push: Cambodian press groups urged PM Hun Manet to request a royal amnesty for two journalists convicted of treason, while the opposition NPP tried to submit a pardon request for Rong Chhun to the King. Regional Diplomacy: Xi also urged Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their border dispute through dialogue, and Cambodia’s Prak Sokhonn is set to lead a delegation to the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila. Human Rights Watch: UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews will visit Cambodia from 20–31 July to assess rights issues including trafficking, border conflict, and freedoms of expression and assembly. Economy & Jobs: Cambodia approved $4.7bn in H1 2026 FDI (down 26% YoY), with China the top source, and the projects expected to generate about 160,000 jobs.

Global AI Governance: Cambodia joined 29 countries in Shanghai to sign the agreement creating the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), with Hun Manet calling for an AI future that is inclusive, secure, and respectful of national sovereignty. China–Cambodia Investment Push: On the sidelines of the 2026 World AI Conference, Hun Manet met Chinese leaders and major firms, signaling new interest in AI, digital tech, renewable energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Media & Security: Cambodia’s Ministry of Information urged tighter coordination between provincial information offices and journalists to curb misinformation and protect national security, especially on defense and military-related reporting. Diplomacy Calendar: Deputy PM Prak Sokhonn will lead Cambodia to the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila and attend TAC’s 50th anniversary commemorations. Border Conflict Case: A tuk-tuk driver was jailed for four years over a social media post tied to the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, highlighting ongoing legal action against perceived incitement. Public Health Milestone: Cambodia reported no malaria deaths for eight years and no new local cases in H1, while warning of risks from imported malaria. Human Security & Rights: Cambodia’s anti-cyber-scam crackdown and the broader fight against trafficking-linked exploitation remain in focus, alongside reports of victims and prosecutions.

Cambodia–China Diplomacy: Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Shanghai for the 2026 World AI Conference, then met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, with both sides stressing “ironclad” ties and pushing the “Diamond Hexagon” framework plus the Industrial Development and Fish and Rice Corridors. AI Governance & Investment Push: A separate report says Hun Manet’s China trip began with meetings with nine major Chinese companies before top-leader talks, pointing to a tightly planned investment agenda across strategic sectors. Border Security Messaging: Cambodia’s border affairs minister told a Ratanakiri seminar that stable frontiers are “national survival,” pairing demarcation know-how with efforts to counter misinformation. Online Scams Crackdown: Cambodia reiterated to a visiting U.S. diplomat that it will keep raiding and prosecuting scam masterminds and facilitators, while a separate report notes the government has not released trafficking victim figures from anti-scam operations. Digital Rights Concern: A Meta Oversight Board study found major AI chatbots are more likely to refuse content critical of restrictive governments, raising fears that AI could spread government speech rules globally, including in Cambodia. Cybercrime & Human Trafficking: Coverage also highlights Bangladeshis lured into Cambodia’s scam compounds with false job promises, and Cambodia’s deportations of thousands tied to scam networks. Agriculture Trade: Cambodia and China signed sanitary and phytosanitary protocols to expand jackfruit access to the Chinese market. Education Support: India’s Quick Impact Project will fund a women’s dormitory for about 140 female students at a Battambang Buddhist university.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Cambodia deported over 16,000 foreign nationals tied to online scam operations in H1 2026, with authorities saying the crackdown is backed by stronger enforcement and a draft Law on Combating Technology-Based Fraud. Scam Trafficking Links: Reports describe Bangladeshis being lured with “job” promises, issued mismatched visas, and then forced into guarded scam compounds in Cambodia. Aviation Law Update: The National Assembly approved accession to the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol to strengthen aviation financing and reduce aircraft leasing costs. Parliament & Regional Health: Cambodia says it is ready to host the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health in August, with the National Assembly coordinating with WHO. Cambodia–China Trade: Cambodia and China signed SPS-related agreements clearing the way for fresh jackfruit exports to China, including quarantine and phytosanitary protocols. Heritage Rules: Angkor Wat tightened costume rules, banning visitors from wearing improper Khmer attire at the archaeological park. Investment Push in Beijing: Prime Minister Hun Manet met multiple Chinese firms (CHINALCO, CRCC, CMEC, Haier and others) seeking expanded investment in mining, infrastructure, clean energy, digital manufacturing and AI. Border Reality Check: A ceasefire is holding, but analysts warn it is not peace, with border closures still hitting jobs, tourism and trade.

Cambodia–Thailand Border Tensions: Cambodia’s 4th Military Region urged Thailand’s 2nd Army Region to stop unilateral border activities, including land clearing, expansion and barbed-wire laying, and pushed for faster demarcation work by the Joint Boundary Commission. Prime Minister’s China Push: Hun Manet began a three-day working visit to China, with meetings planned with Xi Jinping and China’s premier, and participation in the World AI Conference in Shanghai—signaling Cambodia’s push to turn diplomacy into trade, investment and AI cooperation. Digital Security Cooperation: Cambodia hosted the Lancang-Mekong Regional Cybersecurity Forum in Siem Reap, focusing on policy, infrastructure protection, cloud data security and AI applications. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Cambodia said it prevented nearly 400 people from 22 countries from leaving in the first half of the year, including nearly 200 Cambodian women suspected of trafficking recruitment, while the Philippines repatriated 12 survivors from Cambodia. Public Health Warning: A dengue outbreak story highlighted how delayed recognition can be fatal as cases surge during Cambodia’s monsoon season. Online Scam Network Exposé: A Reuters investigation alleged a Cambodian tycoon’s casino-linked properties were leased and later used as bases for large-scale online fraud and human trafficking operations. Women’s Rights Online: Licadho warned that image-based sexual abuse is rising, with threats and coercion tied to nonconsensual intimate images. Infrastructure & Trade Links: Japan signed documents for about $119m (Phase II) to expand Sihanoukville’s deep-sea container terminal, boosting maritime logistics. Regional Military Ties: Cambodia and Singapore agreed to deepen defence cooperation, with Cambodia urging Singapore to keep supporting an ASEAN observer mission for the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute.