While still in the double digits, Cambodia’s consumer price index only grew by just over 18 percent showing an over decline that it is likely a direct result of the current global economic crisis.

From 2005 up until 2008 the Cambodian economy experienced double-digit growth which has lead to high inflation.

These expectations are significantly lower then what the Cambodian government is forecasting for the Cambodian economy which is forecast at 7.2 percent.

Nonetheless, the Cambodian economy grew an average of over 11 percent between the years of 2004 and 2007.

While the Cambodian government says the laws are imperative to control the mainly unregulated construction sector, foreign firms see the move as a hindrance to growth.

The new Cambodia investment laws require builders to apply for numerous additional licenses as well as deposit large sums of cash with the Cambodian government before starting a project. (more…)

The focus of the Cambodia trade agreement with the US is agriculture and industry.

Official statistics indicate that Cambodia trade with the US is up in the first half of 2008 with apparel exports totaling $1.16 billion up from last years $1.3 billion. (more…)

The ADB request by the Cambodian government is proposed to ensure Cambodian food security between through 2011 and is expected to benefit over 500k Cambodians. (more…)

The Cambodian investment news comes after the Cambodia Finance Minister Keat Chhon met with Indian ambassador Aloke Sen to promote further Cambodia investment by India. (more…)

The challenge comes as the Cambodian government and the Thai government continues to debate over the Preah Vihear Temple. See: Cambodia Government Seeks UN Intervention Temple Dispute with Thailand

Cambodian trade volume with Thailand increased over 10 percent in 2007 to $1.4 billion according to Cambodian Commerce Ministry. (more…)

Many Cambodians are concerned that the Cambodian election was rigged raising concerns that one party-rule is damaging it’s the countries democracy.

The Cambodia election results give Prime Minister Hun Sen a new 5 year term. (more…)

Should the Cambodian People’s party (CPP) continue to control the Cambodia government, Hun Sen, Cambodia’s prime minister would continue his 23 year reign.

Key drivers to the likely victory include a strong economy, a change in the Cambodia constitution that no longer requires a two-thirds majority vote, and the fact the Cambodian government has stood up to neighboring Thailand over the Preah Vihear temple dispute. See: Cambodia Government Seeks UN Intervention Temple Dispute with Thailand (more…)

The dispute is over a recent UNESCO approved application to have the Hindu Preah Vihear temple named a World Heritage Site.

While seemingly inconsequential, the dispute has caused the Cambodia government and the Thai government to deploy more than 4,000 troops to the Cambodia Thai border.

Nonetheless, neither country can afford a military melee in order to settle the dispute considering the Thai and Cambodian economic growth goals at stake. (more…)