ADW Editor

President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Cambodia February 13-15, marking the first time a German head of state has visited the Kingdom. Mr. Steinmeier first traveled to Siem Reap, where he visited Angkor Wat and German-financed mine clearance activities, before traveling to Phnom Penh to partake in economic and diplomatic dialogues with Prime Minster Hun Sen and other politicians and government officials.

On January 18, 2023, German cleaning technology specialist and GBC member Kärcher opened its new Kärcher Center and HQ for Cambodia in Phnom Penh. The German family owned business started out in Cambodia in 2017 with just eight employees. Today, the new Kärcher Center represents the success the company has had in the country and shows its positive sales projections for the Cambodian market.

European companies from all sectors and business areas with activities in developing and emerging countries that demonstrate an engagement beyond commercial interests are eligible to apply for the German Entrepreneurship Award for Development 2023. Successful applicants receive 30,000 Euros dedicated to their projects and product ideas. Apply until January 31st, 2023!

For GBC, 2022 has been characterized by a gradual normalization of activities in the post-pandemic world. Together with the GIZ Business Scouts for Development (BSfD) program and EuroCham, German Business Cambodia was able to implement meaningful ventures and contribute to a wide range of events. The year 2023 is already planned out with a multitude of activities that will further bridge the gap between the European and Cambodian markets.

Building on the successful 4-year partnership with the GIZ Business Scouts for Development (BSfD), EuroCham Cambodia signed a new 100k € Grant Agreement in support of Cambodian SMEs. Activities carried out for BSfD under the grant include a new phase of the successful SME export certification sub-grant program, and the publication of six additional product & supplier brochures promoting local SMEs, among other things.

In a win for Cambodian rice exporters, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled on 9 November 2022 that the EU Commission imposing tariff duty on imports of milled or semi-milled Indica rice from Cambodia constituted a breach of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) regulations. The ruling to annul Regulation (EU) 2019/67 comes after its three-year implementation period and has thus mostly symbolic value.

German Business Cambodia (GBC) is hosting this year’s Oktoberfest at the end of November. Co-branded with local premium brew Hanuman Beer, the event shapes up to become an extravaganza with more than 20 bands, performers and DJ’s who will entertain an anticipated 50 000 visitors over 10 days, from Friday the 25th of November to Sunday the 4th of December. Don’t miss this event!

We are pleased to announce the publication of GIZ’s Sector Brief on Handicrafts in Cambodia! The Brief is part of a series of 9 publications so far, each analysing a key economic sector in Cambodia and showcasing related potential business opportunities for European investors, entrepreneurs and partners.

German and Cambodian government representatives met from October 19-20 to discuss the progress of current bilateral development projects and analyse proposals for future projects between the two nations. Core areas discussed during the meetings included health and social protection, transformation of agri-food systems, sustainable economic development, training and occupation, peace and inclusive societies, as well as climate and energy / just transition.

Join us on October 24, 2022, 2 pm – 3.30 pm ICT / 9 am – 10.30 am CET to learn more about doing business in the Cambodian organic market!