AGP Executive Report

Border Tensions, Human Impact: Cambodia says Thai forces’ post-ceasefire encroachment has left 20,840 people still displaced, with schools and hospitals shut in affected areas, as displaced residents in Pursat’s Thmar Da commune condemn sovereignty violations and demand return home. Diplomacy & Rights: DPM/Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn met OHCHR’s new Cambodia representative, underscoring continued engagement on human-rights issues. Regional Security: Cambodia and Malaysia’s defence chiefs pledged deeper military cooperation and peace-focused dispute resolution, while Cambodia welcomed two Vietnamese officers to the ASEAN Observer Team to monitor the Cambodia–Thailand border. Legal/ICJ Framing: Senate President Hun Sen shared an unofficial Khmer translation stressing ICJ rulings as the “only sustainable path” for the border dispute. Digital Governance: In Geneva, Minister Chea Vandeth pushed Cambodia’s AI/digital cooperation agenda, highlighting verify.gov.kh and digital talent and community programmes. Global Partnerships: Cambodia–U.S. ties got a boost in a courtesy call with the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, with both sides citing defence, anti-crime, trade and heritage cooperation. Culture & Soft Power: Cambodia was named guest of honour at France’s 19th Angoulême Francophone Film Festival ahead of the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh. Economy Watch: ADB cut Cambodia’s growth outlook amid energy shocks and border disruption, with inflation forecast rising. Travel Advisory: South Korea downgraded travel alerts for parts of Cambodia (Bokor, Bavet, Poipet) from Level 4 to Level 3, citing improved security.

Economy Outlook: The Asian Development Bank cut Cambodia’s growth forecast to 4.1% for 2026 and warned inflation could rise to 4.5%, citing the global energy crisis and the prolonged border closure with Thailand; the ADB’s move follows an IMF projection that growth will slow to 3% in 2026 before rebounding in 2027. Border & Sovereignty: Senate President Hun Sen reiterated that the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute can only be settled sustainably through international law, treaties and the ICJ, while a senior Cambodian official said Thailand is using UNCLOS procedures to stall Joint Boundary Commission work. Regional Security: Cambodia and Malaysia’s armed forces chiefs pledged deeper defence cooperation and peace-first dispute resolution, with Cambodia also welcoming two Vietnamese officers to join the ASEAN Observer Team monitoring the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire. Human Capital & Diplomacy: Japan approved a $2.8m Human Resource Development Scholarship Project to fund graduate study for Cambodian government officials, extending cooperation launched in 2000. Labour & AI Readiness: An ILO report says Cambodia is among the least AI-ready ASEAN states, pointing to gaps in digital infrastructure and institutional capacity. Public Health & Work Safety: A new study flags rising heat stress in Phnom Penh’s garment and related sectors, urging stronger protections for workers.

Cambodia–Malaysia Defence: RCAF Commander-in-Chief Gen. Vong Pisen met Malaysia’s Defence Chief Gen. Malek Razak Sulaiman, agreeing to deepen military cooperation and reaffirm peaceful border dispute resolution, with Malaysia cited for past UNTAC support and 2025 border dialogue facilitation. ASEAN Border Monitoring: Cambodia welcomed two Vietnamese officers to join the ASEAN Observer Team to observe the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire and report on border conditions, stressing transparency and full implementation of 2025 agreements. Border Dispute at Francophonie: Senate First Vice President Ouch Borith told APF meetings in Yaoundé that Thailand is using UNCLOS procedures as a pretext to suspend the Joint Boundary Commission, warning this risks a “fait accompli” and undermines international law. Human Rights Diplomacy: Cambodia backed a UN Human Rights Council push to decriminalize homosexuality and said it plans to ratify the UN treaty abolishing the death penalty, while also raising border-related rights concerns with OHCHR. Economy & Trade: The IMF projected Cambodia’s growth slowing to 3.0% in 2026, citing higher energy prices, weak tourism, scam reputational damage, and subdued demand, urging structural reforms. Logistics Modernisation: Deputy PM Sun Chanthol chaired the 11th National Logistics Council meeting to modernise logistics and improve supply-chain efficiency to boost trade competitiveness. Water Reform: Industry Minister HEM Vanndy met World Bank officials to advance Cambodia’s water sector reform, including an independent regulator and progress toward universal clean water access. Digital Governance: Cambodia highlighted AI governance and digital infrastructure efforts, including verify.gov.kh, during UN-led AI governance dialogue. Tourism Pressure: A report linked tourism declines to border tensions and the “scam hub” reputation, noting government crackdown steps but warning the border issue remains a major constraint. Heat Stress on Garments: A new study warns rising extreme heat in Phnom Penh is worsening factory working conditions, with major shares of factories exceeding indoor heat thresholds, raising health and safety stakes for garment output. Regional Infrastructure with China: Cambodia and China agreed to fast-track key strategic projects, including the Funan Techo Canal and priority highways, aiming to cut bottlenecks and lift long-term growth.

Border Security Diplomacy: Malaysia’s Defence Chief Gen. Malek Razak Sulaiman visited the Cambodia–Thailand border in Banteay Meanchey after briefing by ASEAN observers, underscoring Malaysia’s focus on regional stability tied to the 2025 border ceasefire monitoring. IMF Economic Outlook: The IMF says Cambodia’s growth will slow to about 3% in 2026 (from 5.3% in 2025) before rebounding in 2027, citing higher energy prices, weaker external demand, and reputational damage from scam activity that could hit tourism and financial stability. Human Rights Pressure Ahead of Francophonie: International NGOs urged the OIF and France to press Cambodia to release the “Mother Nature Cambodia 5” environmental activists ahead of the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh. Local Governance & Accountability: Senate President Hun Sen met local council members in Rattanakiri, calling for faster, more responsive public services and stronger tax/customs enforcement. Trade & Investment Signals: Cambodia and WIPO signed an MoU to set up an Intellectual Property Business Centre to support private-sector awareness and innovation, while Japan’s grant extension will fund human resource development scholarships. Infrastructure Planning: PM Hun Manet floated turning the former Phnom Penh airport into a regional logistics hub (feasibility pending) and reiterated plans to develop Sihanoukville port logistics capacity. Cybercrime Crackdown Context: Cambodia continues intensifying action against online scams, including arrests of thousands in May, amid circulating claims about visa changes that the government says were fake.

IMF Outlook: The IMF says Cambodia’s economy is still resilient, but growth is set to slow to about 3% in 2026 (from 5.3% in 2025) as higher energy prices, weaker tourism, trade-policy uncertainty, and reputational damage from online scams weigh on activity. Local Governance: Senate President Hun Sen continued a nationwide outreach in Rattanakiri, urging commune and sangkat officials to deliver faster, more responsive public services while strengthening tax and customs enforcement. Economic Policy: Cambodia’s Ministry of Economy and Finance says it will keep flexible, proactive fiscal steps to support activity, protect macro stability, and sustain a pro-poor budget focused on livelihoods and social protection. Green Industry: Cambodia and Germany signed FABRIC Cambodia II to push garment and textile firms toward greener, standards-compliant production for global buyers. Public Infrastructure: PM Hun Manet backed the expanded China-funded National Road 7, saying better roads cut travel time and logistics costs and can attract more investment. Tourism Strategy: Cambodia and the UAE reviewed tourism cooperation, including air connectivity and a proposal for mutual tourist visa exemptions; the tourism ministry also stressed public-private-community partnerships for community-based tourism and ecotourism. Cybercrime & Immigration Rumors: Cambodia denied a viral claim that African nationals face a May 31, 2026 exit deadline, calling the document fake amid ongoing scam crackdown. Health & Crime: Japan arrested three suspects tied to alleged paid organ transplant brokering involving Cambodia, highlighting continued cross-border enforcement. Regional Diplomacy: Cambodia joined the UN-led Global Dialogue on AI Governance, outlining a five-point approach to trust, risk mitigation, and inclusive policy-making.

Border & Security: Cambodia’s Acting FM Eat Sophea briefed diplomats on the Cambodia–Thailand border situation, stressing the internationally recognized 1904/1907 line and calling for early resumption of Joint Boundary Commission work to let displaced families return. Military Diplomacy: Malaysia’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Tan Sri Malek Razak will visit Phnom Penh (8–11 July) for talks with Cambodian defence leaders and to inspect border areas under the ASEAN Observer Team. Infrastructure & Economy: PM Hun Manet inaugurated an upgraded National Road No. 7 section in Kampong Cham, linking better roads to lower travel costs and investment growth, while also reiterating plans for 11 logistics hubs nationwide. Youth & Media: DPM Hun Many officially recognized new UYFC working-group members in the media sector, pledging strict professional and ethical standards. Climate & Agriculture: Cambodia is preparing for a potentially prolonged El Niño, with ministries ordered to coordinate monitoring, drought response, and food support. Justice & Human Rights: Cambodia’s prison population has reached 67,677, raising alarms over overcrowding and suicide risks. International Cooperation on AI: Cambodia joined a UN-led Global Dialogue on AI Governance, proposing a five-point framework focused on trust, proactive risk mitigation, and inclusive policy-making. Environment & Development: Cambodia and the UAE pledged stronger climate action, including plastic reduction and reforestation targets. Trade & Industry: A feasibility review backs agro-industrial parks to attract private investment into processing and strengthen agriculture.

Transport & Logistics Push: PM Hun Manet inaugurated the upgraded National Road No. 7 in Kampong Cham and reiterated a wider transport plan: 11 national logistics hubs, rail and port upgrades, and continued progress on the Funan Techo Canal to shift more freight to waterways. Infrastructure, China Ties: In the same event, he framed the road as part of sustained Cambodia–China partnership, with further projects planned for 2026–27. Road Safety Enforcement: Hun Manet urged tougher, consistent action against overloaded vehicles, pointing to amended penalties and calling for better weight-inspection accountability. Heritage Restoration: On Preah Vihear’s 18th UNESCO anniversary, Hun Manet reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restore and preserve the temple after 2025 border clashes, citing ongoing work with UNESCO and experts. Border Tensions: Senate President Hun Sen urged Mondulkiri to strengthen cross-border cooperation with Vietnam while boosting tax collection, security, and land-dispute resolution. ASEAN Border Monitoring: ASEAN observers inspected Cambodia–Thailand border areas in Battambang, including a fence site and alleged agricultural encroachment, with Cambodia calling for the Joint Boundary Commission to meet. Public Health: Cambodia reported a dengue outbreak in Kandal’s Kaoh Thum district with nearly 600 cases in three weeks, prompting intensified mosquito-control and community warnings. Climate Preparedness: Cambodia is preparing for a potentially prolonged El Niño through early 2027, with ministries ordered to coordinate monitoring, emergency response, and support for drought-hit farmers.

Transport & Trade Facilitation: Deputy PM Sun Chanthol chaired talks with EuroCham on boosting Cambodia’s transport and logistics efficiency, with stakeholders discussing infrastructure and customs facilitation, including PASNet’s digital port services linked to ASYCUDA Hub. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Cambodia’s ambassador to Japan invited Japan’s House of Councillors president to ISC-2 in Phnom Penh, while also stressing Cambodia’s zero-tolerance stance on online scams and cybercrime. Digital Economy & Cybercrime: DPM Hang Chuon Naron urged Japanese investors to back Cambodia’s tech shift, pairing growth messaging with a crackdown on online scams. Border Security: Cambodia reported four soldiers injured by an explosion during patrol near the Cambodia–Thailand border in Oddar Meanchey, with investigations underway and commitments to existing peace agreements. ASEAN Border Monitoring: ASEAN observers inspected a Battambang border stretch, including areas where Cambodia says Thai forces built fences and damaged markers, as Cambodia calls for de-escalation and respect for demarcation processes. Science, Tech & MSMEs: Cambodia and Laos reaffirmed cooperation on STI and MSME development, highlighting connectivity plans and cross-border links. Preah Vihear Restoration: Ahead of the 18th anniversary, Cambodia pledged renewed restoration and safeguarding of Preah Vihear after 2025 damage, citing UXO contamination and setbacks to conservation work. Environment & Public Safety: Health authorities reported nearly 600 dengue cases in Kandal’s Kaoh Thum over three weeks, stepping up mosquito control and community warnings. Natural Resources Protection: Senate President Hun Sen urged stronger enforcement against natural resource offences, including in Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, alongside attention to families of deployed soldiers and war veterans. Regional Economic Signals: Cambodia–Germany launched FABRIC Cambodia II to tighten supply-chain transparency and compliance in garments/footwear/travel goods as Western ESG and labour due-diligence pressure rises. IP Cooperation: Cambodia and South Korea reaffirmed IP cooperation, while Cambodia and WIPO signed an MoU for an IP Business Centre to support private-sector awareness and use of IP. International Legal Dispute: Thailand froze over $600 million in assets linked to Cambodian businessman Yim Leak under civil forfeiture, as he seeks U.S. discovery in the case.

Online Scam Crackdown: Cambodia’s push against technology-enabled fraud is moving from ad hoc raids to a more coordinated national response, after the Law on Combating Online Scams took effect in April and the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS) was set up in late 2025, with reported raids on 400+ locations, 25 casino license revocations, and about 20,000 deportations linked to scam networks. Natural Resources & Wildlife Protection: Senate President Hun Sen urged stronger enforcement against natural resource offences, spotlighting Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary and calling on local councils to deliver faster public services while also caring for soldiers’ families and war veterans. Preah Vihear Anniversary & Heritage Security: Cambodia marked the 18th anniversary of Preah Vihear’s UNESCO listing, with royal remarks praising conservation and sovereignty, while the Preah Vihear National Authority also recalled the 2025 destruction and displacement and outlined emergency actions for affected communities. Angkor Conservation & Culture: APSARA highlighted new archaeological finds at Ta Prohm, with restored Avalokiteśvara-related artifacts displayed in Siem Reap, and tourism stakeholders weighed a proposal for nighttime Angkor temple tours against monument preservation risks. Industrial Growth & Investment Push: Cambodia reported large-scale factories rising to 3,284 by end-May 2026, employing 1.33 million workers and drawing $27.6 billion in cumulative investment, alongside efforts to expand investment corridors in Kratie. Regional Border Tensions: Thailand rejected Cambodian claims of a grenade strike during a border incident in Surin, saying an investigation found no assault by Thai forces. Diplomatic/Development Ties: Japan signed a $171.3 million mixed financing package to upgrade teacher training and strengthen water management, reinforcing Phnom Penh’s education and climate resilience agenda.

Cambodia–Thailand Border Tensions: Cambodia has lodged another formal protest after Thai forces installed new barbed wire in Preah Vihear’s Mom Bei area and Oddar Meanchey’s Chob Ruan area, saying the moves violate the 2025 de-escalation steps and the 2000 border MOU and urging Thailand to stop across all unlawfully occupied areas. Angkor Heritage & Tourism Policy: The government’s plan to study nighttime Angkor temple tours is gaining cautious support from tourism stakeholders, but guides and experts warn it must protect monument preservation and visitor safety. Preah Vihear UNESCO Anniversary: Preah Vihear marked its 18th year as a UNESCO World Heritage site with a ceremony focused on conservation, destruction, and restoration, while officials reported emergency shelter and services for displaced families after major damage in 2025. Journalism & National Security: A Supreme Court decision upholding treason sentences for two journalists signals a hard line on reporting tied to sensitive military zones, even as Cambodia prepares for the Francophonie summit and the spotlight on how it treats media. Agriculture & Climate Risk: Battambang’s rainy-season rice faces drought and insufficient irrigation, with nearly 18,362 hectares reported severely affected, prompting monitoring and mitigation orders. Digital & Economic Development: Cambodia continues pushing industrial and SME growth themes, while policy attention also turns to EV-related incentives and energy efficiency financing.

Cambodia–Thailand Border Row: Phnom Penh has lodged another formal protest after Thai forces installed new barbed wire in Preah Vihear (Mom Bei) and Oddar Meanchey (Chob Ruan), saying the moves breach the 2025 de-escalation plan and the MOU 2000, and urging Bangkok to stop across all unlawfully occupied areas. ASEAN Observer Mission: In parallel, the Philippines’ outgoing ambassador told PM Hun Manet that the ASEAN Observer Team will keep its Thai border work “transparent and impartial,” after Cambodia complained observers entered without notification. Angkor Tourism Policy: Cambodia’s plan to study nighttime Angkor temple tours is drawing cautious support from tourism stakeholders, with guides warning that monument preservation and visitor safety must come first. Justice and Media: Cambodia’s Supreme Court upheld the treason sentences of two journalists tied to coverage of the Cambodia–Thai border conflict, with commentators now pointing to the politics of how the state treats its own media ahead of the Francophonie summit. Food Security Under El Niño: Battambang’s rainy-season rice faces drought and insufficient irrigation, with nearly 18,362 hectares reported severely affected as the government monitors impacts and prepares responses. Energy and Rural Life: Cambodia is pushing energy access, but rural households still struggle with affordability and rely on firewood for cooking despite village electrification gains. Diplomacy and Credentials: Mongolia’s ambassador presented credentials to Egypt’s President al-Sisi, while Cambodia’s broader diplomatic calendar continues to expand with new ambassadorial appointments.

Border Tensions: Cambodia lodged another formal protest against Thailand after Thai forces installed new barbed wire in Preah Vihear (Mom Bei) and Oddar Meanchey (Chob Ruan), saying the moves violate de-escalation steps and the MOU 2000 on boundary survey and demarcation, and urging Thailand to stop actions in all unlawfully occupied areas. Royal Affairs: King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk returned to Cambodia after medical treatment in Beijing, with the Royal Palace saying their health has improved and follow-up care will continue at home. Human Rights & Courts: Cambodia’s Supreme Court upheld the conviction of youth rights activist Koet Saray, keeping his four-year prison sentence for incitement charges that UN experts and rights groups say are politically motivated. Energy & Economy: Cambodia launched a $20 million Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund to help SMEs finance energy-saving technologies, backed by the ADB and local financial partners. Agriculture & Climate: Drought linked to El Niño is severely affecting nearly 18,362 hectares of rainy-season rice in Battambang, prompting government monitoring and mitigation instructions. Digital Security: Thailand unveiled the SHIELD cross-border platform to share intelligence against online scams and human trafficking, citing regional fraud compounds including in Cambodia and Myanmar. Industry & Trade: Toyota began operations on a new Hilux Travo assembly line in Cambodia, while Cambodia’s fragrant rice exports to the US topped 7,300 tonnes in the first half of 2026.

Border Tensions: Cambodia lodged a fresh formal protest against Thailand after Thai forces installed barbed wire on July 2 in Mom Bei (Preah Vihear) and Chob Ruan (Oddar Meanchey), saying the moves breach the 2025 de-escalation understanding and the MOU 2000 on boundary survey and demarcation, and urging Thailand to stop actions across all unlawfully occupied areas. Royal Affairs: King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk returned to Cambodia after medical treatment in Beijing, with the palace saying the King’s health has improved following surgery for a prostate condition. Culture & Heritage: Cambodia’s Culture Minister and Japan’s ambassador joined a ceremony planting 10,000 saplings at the Angkor AEON Natural Park in Siem Reap to protect the world heritage site. Agriculture & Climate: Battambang’s rainy-season rice faces drought stress: nearly 18,362 hectares are severely affected by insufficient irrigation as El Niño reduces rainfall and raises temperatures. Clean Energy Skills: Cambodia held its first National Clean Energy Youth Forum, flagging a major workforce gap for solar, energy efficiency, and EV jobs and calling for better hands-on training and certification pathways. Industry: Toyota expanded in Cambodia by launching the Hilux Travo assembly line at its Phnom Penh plant, with officials highlighting growing local engineering capacity. Regional Anti-Scam Cooperation: Thailand unveiled SHIELD, an international intelligence-sharing platform aimed at tackling online fraud and human trafficking, with Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos cited as key targets.

Royal Health Update: Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk returned to Phnom Penh on July 3 after medical treatment in Beijing, with the palace saying the King’s prostate condition is improving and doctors will continue monitoring at home. Judicial Pressure on Civil Society: The Supreme Court upheld activist Koet Saray’s four-year prison sentence for incitement, a case condemned by UN experts and rights groups as politically motivated, while authorities say it follows the law. Clean Energy Skills Push: Cambodia launched a National Clean Energy Youth Forum to close workforce gaps for solar, energy efficiency and EV jobs, highlighting shortages of hands-on training and certification pathways. Energy Finance for SMEs: The ADB-backed $20 million Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund was launched to help SMEs invest in energy-saving technologies, aiming to cut costs and support a low-carbon transition. Industry and Jobs: Toyota inaugurated assembly of the new Hilux Travo in Cambodia, with Cambodian engineers involved, as the plant expands local production. Sports Diplomacy: Cambodia and Japan agreed to deepen sports cooperation, including coach/athlete exchanges, sports medicine, para-sports and digital innovation. Border Displacement Response: Six “Waiting Villages” were created in Banteay Meanchey for families displaced by last year’s Thailand border conflict, with thousands still unable to return due to border barriers and damage. Regional Cooperation on Scams: Cambodia’s anti-scam cooperation continues to be spotlighted regionally as Thailand launches a cross-border fraud investigative platform, citing scam compounds linked to Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.

Border Displacement Response: Cambodia’s Interior Ministry has created six “Waiting Villages” (Rong Cham I–VI) in Banteay Meanchey to house families displaced by last year’s Thailand border clashes, citing continued Thai barriers and damage to homes and infrastructure. Royal Health & Continuity: King Norodom Sihamoni returned safely from Beijing after successful prostate surgery, with gradual recovery reported by the Royal Palace. Cambodia–China Party Diplomacy: National Assembly President Khuon Sudary sent CPC’s 105th anniversary congratulations, reaffirming “ironclad” Cambodia–China friendship and a shared-future community. Cambodia–Japan People-to-People: The NA president reiterated “Heart-to-Heart” ties with Japan as a farewell meeting with the outgoing Japanese ambassador highlighted long-term support, including humanitarian help during the border crisis. Regional Geopolitics: Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing began his first visit to an ASEAN member state by arriving in Laos, signing MOUs and drawing analyst attention to ASEAN fault lines. Humanitarian Partnership: PM Hun Manet met the ICRC’s regional head, who pledged continued support after work on displaced people, prison healthcare, and physical rehabilitation. Energy Finance for SMEs: ADB and partners launched an Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund to help Cambodian SMEs scale energy-saving investments. ASEAN–India Women in Science: Cambodia will host the 2nd ASEAN-India Women in Science Conclave in Phnom Penh (July 8–10), aiming to expand women’s roles in STEM. Capital Markets Push: Cambodia’s securities regulator says the CSX could reach about $1B in capital by end-2026 as more firms list, including a new IPO roadshow. Labor Rights Flashpoint: NagaWorld union members protested in Phnom Penh after court summonses, renewing demands for reinstatement and an end to criminal cases tied to the long-running dispute.

Industrial Policy & Competitiveness: Cambodia unveiled four strategies to boost competitiveness at Toyota’s Hilux Travo assembly launch, including cutting trade/investment costs, pushing clean energy to 70% by 2030, strengthening cybersecurity under the Anti-Cyber Scam Law, and speeding investment facilitation via digital public services. Humanitarian & Border Response: The ICRC pledged to deepen cooperation with Cambodia, citing support for displaced people during the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict and work on rehabilitation and prison healthcare. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Cambodia and the Philippines reaffirmed steady progress ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with both sides highlighting cooperation on education, security, and anti-scam efforts. Labor & Justice: NagaWorld union members protested in Phnom Penh after court summonses tied to the long-running labor dispute, renewing demands for reinstatement and an end to criminal cases against union figures. U.S.-Cambodia Aviation & Security: Cambodia and the U.S. signed their first Open Skies agreement, and the U.S. marked Independence Day by spotlighting expanding defense, trade, and aviation cooperation. Border Governance: Cambodia’s army chief asked the ASEAN Observer Team to review activities near Khnar Temple after concerns they proceeded without coordination with Cambodia. TVET & Skills: China transferred national occupational standards to Cambodia to modernize vocational training, aligned with labor-market needs including the NEV sector. Digital & Education Partnerships: Japan reiterated support for Cambodia’s education cooperation, including exchanges, language teaching, teacher development, and ICT. Civil Society Debate: PM Hun Manet defended government support for civil society groups that serve the public, pointing to PSE’s 30-year work and rejecting claims of restrictions.