PHNOM PENH—The Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), which officially took effect in January 2022, has opened new avenues for Cambodia to deepen its economic ties with China, ushering in a new phase of economic cooperation. This agreement, negotiated and finalized within eight months, reflects Cambodia’s strategic move toward diversifying its trading partnerships amidst growing global […]
UN Climate Talks End in Compromise, but Fail to Address Key Issue of Loss and Damage
The 2022 United Nations climate conference, COP27, concluded in a climate of compromise, with notable progress on some fronts but an unsettling lack of resolution on the critical issue of loss and damage. Held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, the summit brought together nearly 200 nations to address the ongoing global climate crisis. However, despite several […]
Cambodia-South Korea Free Trade Agreement Unlocks New Opportunities for Downstream Sectors
The recently signed Cambodia-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) is poised to significantly boost economic ties between the two nations, with a particular focus on enhancing Cambodia’s downstream sectors. This agreement, which came into effect earlier this year, is expected to open up new opportunities for Cambodia in industries such as manufacturing, technology, and services. […]
Thailand and the EU Resume Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
Negotiations between Thailand and the European Union (EU) to resume a free trade agreement (FTA) have commenced after nearly a decade of inactivity. The discussions, viewed by both sides as crucial to enhancing bilateral trade, mark a significant step towards strengthening economic ties. Thailand sees the FTA as a gateway to boosting its export-driven economy, […]
Through Thick and Thin: The 75-Year Partnership Between the Philippines and the World Bank
Since 1945, the World Bank has been at the forefront of the Philippines’ development, acting as a key partner through times of growth, crisis, and recovery. Over the past seven decades, the Bank has provided not only financial resources but also knowledge and expertise to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges. From infrastructure development to […]
Cambodia and Vietnam: Navigating Perils in the US-China Trade War
As the US-China trade war continues to shift the global economic landscape, both Cambodia and Vietnam find themselves in a precarious position. While some have heralded the trade tensions as an opportunity for smaller Southeast Asian nations to capture shifting supply chains, the reality is far more complicated. Cambodia and Vietnam’s prosperity, tied closely to […]
German FDI in ASEAN: Expanding Influence in Brunei and Cambodia
Germany has ramped up its foreign direct investment (FDI) in the ASEAN region, with a particular focus on Brunei and Cambodia. As both nations seek to attract international capital to fuel their economic growth, Germany’s increasing presence highlights the country’s strategic interest in Southeast Asia’s growing markets. According to recent data, German FDI in ASEAN […]
Philippines and China Strengthen Ties Despite Political Challenges
The Philippines is making strides in strengthening its economic ties with China despite ongoing maritime disputes. Since President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to Beijing in 2016, the two nations have secured nearly $24 billion in investment and trade deals, signaling a significant shift in relations. While territorial disputes over the South China Sea remain unresolved, the […]