Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 4 – Today Australia and the Cambodia Development Research Institute (CDRI) hosted the Cambodia Outlook Conference 2025 in Phnom Penh. Presided over by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, the conference brought together more than 500 government officials, academics, development partners and economic experts to discuss priorities to accelerate Cambodia’s economic growth.

Top-level delegates included Aun Pornmoniroth, Minister of Economy and Finance, alongside three other ministers, Chea Serey, the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia and CDRI Chair of the Board of Director and Derek Yip, Australian Ambassador to Cambodia.

Held at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel & Residence, conference participants discussed structural challenges facing Cambodia and strategies for driving strong growth and development. This included discussion on an urgent reform agenda to ensure long-term high-quality growth, good governance, institutional strengthening, private sector engagement, and effective policy implementation.

Australian Ambassador Derek Yip said, "Australia is pleased to support important discussions that help shape Cambodia’s priorities for sustainable and inclusive development. The Cambodia Outlook Conference is an important platform bringing together a diverse range of experts and decision-makers to talk strategically about how best to support strong and resilient growth in Cambodia."

CDRI Executive Director Eng Netra said, "Cambodia is at a critical stage as it navigates during these highly uncertain times. CDRI is committed to producing influential and impactful development knowledge that contributes to Cambodia’s long-term prosperity through policy research, capacity development, and meaningful cross-sector dialogues such as the Cambodia Outlook Conference."

The annual conference is one of the most important policy events in Cambodia. It provides a key forum for leaders to discuss, share insights about the nation’s most pressing issues, and shape the direction of development policy.

CDRI collaborated with Australia’s flagship economic development program, the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED), to deliver the conference. This highlights Australia and CDRI’s continued commitment to bringing together the most influential leaders from Cambodia, Asia and beyond to foster meaningful policy dialogue in support of resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth.
=FRESH NEWS