Cambodia Chamber of Commerce. Photo taken from the chamber’s official website, taken on 10 August 2023.
It is commonly seen that the two terms chamber and association are used interchangeably in various sources1 referring to a cluster of either business people (individuals) or cooperates (institutions) which is created to promote and protect the interests of the members in some certain business sectors.
Efforts have been made to distinguish chamber of commerce from business associations. For instance, business associations are defined as a group with a membership of enterprises, companies, or organizations engaged in promoting their members’ commercial interests.2
Chamber of commerce are typically made up of business owners who share locations or common interests and can be regional, national, or international in scope.3 A business association is a broader term that focuses on industries, which could be construction, hotel, or restaurant associations, while a chamber of commerce contains business firms operating in different fields of business activity.4 However, the relevant laws and regulations below will provide a more concrete definition of chamber of commerce in Cambodia’s context.
Laws and Mechanisms Related to the Chamber of Commerce
According to Article 1 of Cambodia’s Law on the Chamber of Commerce promulgated in 1995, chamber of commerce are defined as “public institutions under the administration of the Ministry of Commerce that conduct activities to serve benefits for commerce, industry, agriculture, handicraft, and service sectors”. Depending on the commercial demand and activities, each province shall have one chamber of commerce. The chamber of commerce are in general open to receive membership from all types of businesses including large, medium, and small legal businesses from various sectors. Their main role is to ensure their voices are heard by the government, creating a more favorable business environment.5
Law on the Chamber of Commerce
There are the article of law on the Chamber of Commerce that is enacted by the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia on 16 May 1995 during the 4th session of the 1st legislature.
| Article | Provision |
| Article 1 | The Chamber of Commerce are public institutions under the auspices of the Ministry of Commerce that carry out activities to serve the interests of commerce, industry, agriculture, crafts, and services within their constituency. |
| Article 2 | Each Chamber of Commerce in a province or municipality shall be established by a sub-decree upon a proposal by the Ministry of Commerce. |
| Article 3 | Each Chamber of Commerce must be governed by an office led by a President and one or more Vice-Presidents. |
| Article 4 | The Chamber of Commerce shall be composed of members of Cambodian nationality who are selected through an election. |
| Article 5 | In addition to the elected members, the Chamber of Commerce have a number of advisory members who participate in deliberation in an advisory capacity only. |
| Article 6 | The provincial/municipal governors, or their representatives, and the representatives of the Ministry of Commerce have the right to participate in the meetings of the Chamber of Commerce, but in an advisory capacity only. |
| Article 7 | The elected members and the advisory members of the Chamber of Commerce are to carry out their functions without receiving any salary or remuneration. |
| Article 8 | The Chamber of Commerce may cooperate through their Presidents, within the framework of their duties, on issues relating to their individual constituencies. |
| Article 9 | Shows about the responsibilities of the Chamber of Commerce. |
| Article 10 | Shows about the obligation of the Chamber of Commerce on providing opinions. |
| Article 11 | The Chamber of Commerce may establish or manage commercial, industrial, agricultural, crafts, and services institutions whether the institution is privately owned or state owned. |
| Article 12 | The Chamber of Commerce may, upon request by the Ministry of Commerce, acquire and construct buildings for their own use or rent such buildings to business interests. |
| Article 13 | The Chamber of Commerce may participate in public bids in order to gain concessions for public construction or be in charge of public services. |
| Article 14 | The Chamber of Commerce must submit a general report on their activities to the Ministry of Commerce every year. |
| Article 15 | Expenditures for the functions of the Chamber of Commerce shall be met through annual membership dues, receipts, and contributions from other sources. |
| Article 16 | The Chamber of Commerce may borrow money to fund expenditures in all areas relating to additional duties stipulated in Articles 11 and 12. |
| Article 17 | Repayment of debts, including principal and interest, incurred by the Chamber of Commerce shall be funded by the revenues of their businesses. |
| Article 18 | Several Chamber of Commerce may incur joint loans in order to establish and support the services institutions or structures which are in the common interest of those Chamber of Commerce. |
| Article 19 | Borrowing funds as stipulated above in Articles 16, 17 and 18 may be done through banks that offer the best terms. |
| Article 20 | The Chamber of Commerce shall prepare special budgets for the commercial, industrial, agricultural, and craft institutions that they govern. |
| Article 21 | Any provision contrary to this Law shall be nullified. |
| Article 22 | This law is enacted by the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia on 16 May 1995 during the Fourth Session of the First Legislature. |
Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia
Since the major political and economic reform in the 1980s, Cambodia has seen rapid growth in economy and trade especially if viewed in the context of Asia. In 2004, Cambodia became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The country boosted an annual growth average of 7%, fueled by strong garment exports, services, real estate, and construction. Although Cambodia’s economic growth is expected to remain strong in the coming years, the country is expected to face increased competition from neighboring countries, particularly Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam (CMLV bloc). In addition to such competition, other challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, digital transformation, and superpower trade rivalry have been causing a hiccup in Cambodia’s economic and trade stability. Under these circumstances, the role of business associations and chamber of commerce in facilitating business and trade between Cambodia and the rest of the world is becoming even more vital.6
Currently, Cambodia hosts not only local but also international chamber of commerce such as The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham)7, the Cambodia-Israel Chamber of Commerce8, Cambodia-Russia Inter-Chamber Working Group and many others. For instance, AmCham is a non-profit organization that promotes trade and investment between the US and Cambodia, while Khmer Enterprise is a government agency that supports the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cambodia. Other associations such as the Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association (CWEA) focus on a specific group of businesswomen in Cambodia.
All business associations tend to provide networking opportunities, business advocacy, and information services to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.9 With noticeable economic growth, Cambodia has started to have business associations in various sectors such as the Cambodia Constructors’ Association, Cambodia Hotel Association, Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, and even the Cambodia Restaurant Association, etc. The list below shows major business associations and chamber of commerce in Cambodia:10
List of major Business Associations and Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia
There are prominent examples of business associations or chamber in Cambodia that are noticeable and contributing significantly to the country’s economic development:
| No. | Shorten name | Full name |
| 1 | AmCham | The American Chamber of Commerce of Cambodia |
| 2 | EuroCham | European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia |
| 3 | IBC | International Business Chamber of Cambodia |
| 4 | IndoCham | Indonesia Chamber of Commerce Cambodia |
| 5 | MBCC | Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia |
| 6 | CCC | Cambodia Chamber of Commerce |
| 7 | JBAC | Japanese Business Association of Cambodia |
| 8 | YEAC | Young Entrepreneurs Association of Cambodia |
| 9 | CWEA | Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association |
| 10 | Khmer Enterprise | Khmer Enterprise |
Commercial Law (2018)
On 07 March 2018, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) issued Prakas No. 088, regarding filing statutes of business associations. According to the Prakas, all business associations, including foreign chamber of commerce, must file their statute with the MOC. This filing must be accompanied by certain required documentation, such as general meeting notes to establish the association, a specimen of stamp and signature of the president of the association, and registration approvals. Business associations must also submit an annual report on their activities to the provincial/municipal department of commerce where they are located. They can also suspend operations by informing the MOC.11
Further reading on other relevant legal instruments
Cambodia also has other relevant legal frameworks that shape the practices of Chamber of Commerce and commerce in general as the following:
- Upcoming Cambodia’s commercial court developed by the Ministry of Justice12 under the support from ADB Cambodia Resident Mission’s Trade and Competitiveness Program.13
- Law on Commercial Arbitration promulgated since 6 March 200614
- The National Commercial Arbitration Centre (NCAC) of Cambodia15
- Law on Commercial Enterprises promulgated since June 19, 2005
General role of business association or chamber in Cambodia
Business chambers and associations in Cambodia has an important and crucial role for the economic development in the country by providing a range of services to their members. Here are some examples of the role performed by these chambers and association:
| Role | Description |
| Provide Networking Opportunities | Chambers and associations provide a platform for businesses to connect with each other, share ideas, and build relationships. For example, the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (AmCham) organizes regular events and networking opportunities for its members, which helps them to expand their business networks and identify new opportunities. |
| Business Advocacy | Chambers and associations represent the collective interests of their members to the government and other stakeholders. For example, the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) works to promote the interests of Cambodian businesses by advocating for policies and regulations that are favorable to the business community. |
| Information Services | Chambers and associations provide information and resources to their members to help them make informed business decisions. For example, the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham) provides its members with access to market research, industry reports, and other relevant information. |
| Training and Mentoring | Chambers and associations provide training and mentoring to entrepreneurs to help them start and grow their businesses. For example, the Cambodian Women Entrepreneurs Association (CWEA) provides training and mentoring to women entrepreneurs in Cambodia to help them overcome challenges and build successful businesses. |
| Access to Financial Resources | Chambers and associations provide access to financial resources, such as loans and grants, to help businesses start and grow. For example, Khmer Enterprise is a government agency that provides financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cambodia to help them access the capital they need to grow. |
Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC)
The concept of Chamber of Commerce was introduced to Cambodia in 1995. However, it was not until 2005 that the country established its Chamber of Commerce, officially named “Cambodia Chamber of Commerce” (CCC), with Neak Oknha Kith Meng as its president. CCC is a non-profit institution with a countrywide network and has partners in the region and across the globe that connect, share information, and collaborate on various business-related issues.
It is critical for the chamber to represent the interests of Cambodia’s business communities and advocate for policies that promote economic growth and development. CCC has expanded its network countrywide, with 18 Municipal-Provincial Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia.16 All local and foreign companies or business associations registered in Cambodia can join and become members of the CCC by filling out application forms, attaching relevant documents, and paying membership fees. The benefit of joining CCC includes one-on-one business matching, exhibition, business consultancy, legal compliance, and customized training.17
So far, CCC has been on many international stages representing Cambodia. Likewise, on 22 August 2011, the President of CCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with H.E Carol Rodley, the U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia. This MOU is the agreement between CCC and the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank).18
CCC is the only National Chamber of Commerce representing private sector interests. In accordance with Sub-decree No. 07, on the Organization and Functioning of CCC, the main role of CCC is to be the dialogue partner of the government and provide recommendations on economy and investment to the government. CCC is also the secretariat of the Private Sector Working Group of the Government Private Sector Forum (GPS-F).19
Secretariat Role of Private Sector Working Group of the Government Private Sector Forum (GPS-F)
Cambodia has a platform called Government Private Sector Forum (G-PSF). Through a demand-driven process in which the private sector identifies issues and recommends solutions, the G-PSF improves the business environment, builds trust, and encourages private investment.20
Working group of the government private sector forum (GPS-F)
Cambodian Chamber of Commerce has assumed secretariat role of private sector working group of the government private sector forum (GPS-F) since 2011. As of now, there are 13 working group of GPS-F.21
There are 13 Working Groups (WG) under G-PSF. Private Sector representatives meet before the main Working Groups to review and comment on proposed legislation and to identify issues for discussion in the formal Working Group meetings. These Private Sector Working Groups (PSWG) are supported by the secretariats of respective business associations and the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce. Various topics have been referred to this working group, including matters related to telecommunication, transportation, mining, anti-corruption law, etc.22
| No | Working Group | Name of association and person in charge |
| 1 | Agriculture and Agro-Industry | CCC |
| 2 | Tourism | CCC |
| 3 | Manufacturing/Small and Medium Enterprises | FASNEC |
| 4 | Law, Tax & Governance | IBC |
| 5 | Banking and Finance Services | ABC |
| 6 | Infrastructure and Transport | CAMFA |
| 7 | Export Processing and Trade Facilities | GMAC |
| 8 | Industrial Relations | CAMFEBA |
| 9 | Rice | CCC |
| 10 | Mine and Energy | CCC |
| 11 | Education | Dr. Heng Vannda |
| 12 | Health | Dr. Oknha Tan Kimmeng |
| 13 | Construction and Real Estate | Oknha Ly Hour |
Related to local chamber of commerce
References
- 1. AQUARII, “Chambers and Association in Cambodia: 2023,” 2023, accessed on 04 October 2023.
- 2. INC, “Business Association,” accessed on 05 December 2023.
- 3. CAMBODIA INVESTMENT REVIEW, “Explainer: Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia,” 07 June 2022, accessed on 05 December 2023.
- 4. Chamber of Business, “Difference between trade Association and Chamber of Commerce,” 28 April 2023, accessed on 05 December 2023.
- 5. Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, “About Cambodia Chamber of Commerce,” accessed on 16 October 2023.
- 6. Netherlands Embassy in Bangkok, “Doing Business in Cambodia,” January 2019, accessed on 17 November 2023.
- 7. AQUARII, “Chamber and Association in Cambodia: 2023,” 2023, accessed on 04 October 2023.
- 8. Cambodia-Israel Chamber of Commerce, “Our Mission,” access on 07 December 2023.
- 9. AQUARII, “Chambers and Association in Cambodia: 2023,” 2023, accessed on 04 October 2023.
- 10. Privacy Shield Framework, “Cambodia – Principal Business Associations,” accessed on 11 October 2023.
- 11. VDB Loi, “New roles on associations,” 30 March 2018, accessed on 21 November 2023.
- 12. Orm Bunthoeurn, “Commercial Court could function ‘as early as 2024’: Justice ministry officials,” The Phnom Penh Post, 03 February 2023, accessed on 17 November 2023.
- 13. Asia Development Bank, “Cambodia Resident Mission: Activities,” 29 November 2022, accessed on 17 November 2023.
- 14. NCAC, “Dear users and fellow friends of National Commercial Arbitration Centre,” accessed on 17 November 2023.
- 15. Voun, Dara, “Bun Youdy reflects on three years at the National Commercial Arbitration Centre,” The Phnom Penh Post, 24 March 2022, accessed on 17 November 2023.
- 16. Cambodia Camber of Commerce, “About Us,” accessed on 04 October 2023.
- 17. Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, “Frequently Ask Questions, How to become a member of CCC?,” accessed on 11 October 2023.
- 18. Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, “Events,” 29 January 2021, accessed on 17 November 2023.
- 19. Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, “About Us,” accessed on 04 October 2023.
- 20. Cambodia Government-Private Sector Forum, “Government Private Sector Forum: An introduction,” accessed on 20 October 2023.
- 21. Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, “About us,” accessed on 28 August 2025.
- 22. Cambodia G-PSF, “Government Private Sector Forum: An introduction,” accessed on 11 October 2023.
