Cambodia Economy

Cambodia's real GDP grew at 5.5% in 2002 and an estimated 5.0% in 2003, with almost all of the growth coming from the garment sector. Inflation moderated from 3% in 2002 to an estimated average of 1.3% over 2003. The national currency, the riel, was relatively stable over 2002 but depreciated slightly against the U.S. dollar in 2003. The economy is heavily dollarized; the dollar and riel can be used interchangeably. Cambodia remains heavily reliant on foreign assistance--in 2001, 58% of the central government budget depended on donor assistance. Cambodia has had trouble attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), due in part to the unreliable legal environment. New FDI levels fell steadily from 1999-2001. According to the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), which tracks actual monies spent as FDI rather than simply the value of approved FDI projects, in 2001 there was $150 million in FDI. In 2002, the NBC recorded $54 million in FDI. In 2003, FDI was also likely under $100 million. The ec ... [Read More]

Cambodia

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:  Cambodia is a poor developing country with a constitutional monarchy and elected government.  King Norodom Sihamoni is the constitutional monarch and head of state.  Elections for Members of the National Assembly were last held in July 2003.  Two parties, the CPP and FUNCINPEC, have formed a coalition government, which the CPP dominates.  The country has a market economy, with approximately 80 percent of the population of 13 million engaged in subsistence farming.  The government has good relations with its neighbors, despite strains over residual border disputes and historic antagonisms.  The quality of tourist facilities varies widely in Cambodia with the highest standard found in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), and Sihanoukville.  Read the ... [Read More]

Background Notes: Cambodia

Country Background Notes, 1990-93Background Notes, 1990Background Notes: CambodiaPA/PCSource: Office of Public Communication, Bureau of Public AffairsDate: Dec 15, 199012/15/90Category: Country DataRegion: Southeast AsiaCountry: CambodiaSubject: Cultural Exchange, Resource Management, Military Affairs, History, International Organizations, Trade/Economics, Regional/Civil Unrest[TEXT]Official Name: CambodiaPROFILEGeographyArea: 181,040 sq. km. (69,900 sq. mi.); about the size of Missouri.Cities: Capital-Phnom Penh (pop. 4 ... [Read More]

REMARKS BY U.S. AMBASSADOR CHARLES A. RAY

More recently, I played a role in turning a page in the history books by helping to re-establish our diplomatic presence in Vietnam as the first American Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City. Now, as Ambassador to Cambodia, I am working to consolidate the gains of peace and democratization, trying to help Cambodia develop its economy and seeking to make Cambodia a reliable ally in the war on terror. ... [Read More]

Background Notes Archive - East Asia and the Pacific

U.S. Department of StateBackground Notes: Cambodia, January 1996Bureau of East Asian and Pacific AffairsPrepared and released by the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Office of Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam Affairs January 1996Official Name: Kingdom of CambodiaPROFILEGeographyArea: 181,040 sq. km. (69,900 sq. mi.); about the size of Missouri.Cities: Capital-Phnom Penh (pop. between 1 million and 1.2 million). Other cities-Battambang, Siem Reap, Kompong Cham, Kompong Speu, Kompong Thom.Terrain: Central plain drained by the Tonle Sap (Great Lake) and Mekong and Bassac Rivers. Heavy forests away from the rivers and the lake, mountains in the southwest (Cardamom Mountains) and north (Dangrek Mountains) along the border with Thailand.Climate: Tropical monsoon with rainy season June-Oct. and dry season Nov.-May.PeopleNationality: Noun and adjective: Cambodian(s), Khmer.Population (1995): 10.56 million.Avg. annual growth rate: 4.1%. Births--44 births/ ... [Read More]

Economic Affairs

Economic Unit (Posted September 30, 2004) [Read More]

Investment Climate Statement

Chapter 7 Cambodia is a developing country ... [Read More]