When Cambodia takes on its ASEAN chairmanship in January 2022, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) will enter into force.  By virtue of its size and the diversity of its membership, RCEP will become a solid building block for advancing further trade liberalisation in the Asia-Pacific. More importantly, it will mark a major step forward for the world, at a time when multilateralism is losing ground and global growth is slowing down. This article is part of a series of articles covering several aspects of RCEP and their economic, trade and investment impacts on Cambodia. After eight years of intense negotiations, a historic event was achieved by ASEAN with their development partners from China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand with the signing of RCEP in November 2020. The formation of any FTA is a lengthy process, and RCEP is no exception. It has taken eight years, 46 negotiating meetings and 19 ministerial meetings to complete it. Even without India, there is no doubt that RCEP carries considerable symbolic heft. As the largest plurilateral FTA in the world, second only the WTO, RCEP joins the CPTPP, another important regional accord that went into effect in 2018. It covers more of humanity, with over 2.3 billion people or nearly a third of the world’s population as well as a third of the world’s GDP. The RCEP is a comprehensive agreement covering 20 chapters, including market access for trade of goods and service, investment liberalisation as well as a large number of trade related aspects, such as trade facilitation, e-commerce, intellectual property rights, competition policy, and government procurement. The most obvious element of RCEP is its ambitious reduction in tariff barriers. The total number of zero-tariff products in trade in goods exceeds 92 percent, while the opening up of at least 65% of services sectors, will certainly have the effect of stimulating more cross-border trade, investment and flows of people across the Asia-Pacific region. The second most sought after element is the harmonisation of different rules of origin of RCEP countries, and the setting up of generous regional-content requirements for a lot of products. In the case of travel goods manufacturers, once they can prove that their bags contain a 40% regional value content that come from any of the 15 RCEP members, they can export them to any of the 15 RCEP countries and enjoy preferential access. In fact, RCEP solves the ‘spaghetti bowl’ problem of ASEAN FTAs by unifying the set of trade rules for the Asia-Pacific region, which goes to the heart of the RCEP: the creation of a truly “Asian products” by way of managing the most controversial issue of the Rules of Origin (ROO).   How does the RCEP benefit Cambodia? RCEP will provide Cambodian companies and consumers with increased commercial opportunities and partnerships. There will be more opportunities for local enterprises to boost exports, participate in new value chains in the region, and increase foreign investments. With this deep integration, global companies will find it more compelling to invest not just in China but also in the Mekong Subregion, which is recognised as a growth center as well as a very strategic regional hub. For the five ASEAN partners that are technically advanced nations, they have moved to high-end factories, where labour and production costs are relatively high. Their companies are keen to minimise costs by outsourcing finishing work to the less well-off ASEAN nations. For labour-intensive processes, the unified ROO will stimulate an increase of manufacturing investment interest in countries with lower-cost workers. Cambodian companies will benefit from enhanced flexibility in navigating between China, Japan and the ROK. It will also open up reverse opportunities for investment inflows, with Cambodia becoming one of the attractive destinations for international investors, due to its pivotal geographical location in the Mekong Subregion trade supply chains. Cambodian skilled construction workers and service workers, such as young IT programmers and software developers, could benefit from higher demand from countries like Japan and South Korea which are in need of these service workers. The growth of the business process outsourcing industry is also expected to grow. Another area of sustained focus in RCEP is e-commerce and digital trade, which looks promising for Cambodian SMEs. All these are potential opportunities in waiting. For Cambodia to enjoy the full benefits of RCEP, it takes time to prepare the ground for the private sector to get up to speed with this new trade paradigm. On the role of the Government, it is quite clear that it has made all the difficult works to conclude the negotiations. The remaining tasks are to go on a massive promotional campaign to explain and assist businesses to fully exploit all these potentials. On their own, it would be an uphill struggle for companies to understand all the specifics of the agreement and its schedules. Most of them are small and would not have the resources nor the expertise to grasp the intricacies of the trade rules. For development partners, the provision of ttechnical cooperation to address Cambodia’s productive capacity challenges is definitely a priority. Advanced industrialised countries like Japan, China, the ROK, Australia and New Zealand could assist Cambodian SMEs in developing better, more competitive products. New product innovations that increase the value-added contents of local products, which are still very modest, could boost its quality and attractiveness in the regional market. On the role of commercial banks, the local SMEs need to be supported to grow their market and business overseas. Without adequate trade financing the prospect of doing international trade will be dim, to say the least. Last, the signing of the RCEP signalled the Asia Pacific region’s collective commitment to stimulate the recovery of the global economy in the post-pandemic era. Business opportunities are up for grab for those countries who are ready, willing and capable. I truly believe that Cambodia is definitely one of them.

This is the sixth article on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), part of a series of articles covering its economic, trade and investment impacts on Cambodia. This article covers the provisions related to competition. Historically, Cartels have existed for the last one thousand years in the form of guilds. Laissez-faire liberal economic conditions dominating Europe and North America in the XVIII and the XIX centuries led to the formation of cartels under free-market conditions. It was only after 1945 when American-promoted market liberalism led to a worldwide cartel ban. Presently, cartels continue to be obstructed in an increasing number of countries and circumstances. Nowadays market competition has become a driving force of any market economy. Effective competition law and policy are a positive contribution to the development of the economy when it comes to attracting more FDI through a fair level playing field for businesses. A strong and well-established competition policy provide greater opportunity for businesses to compete in terms of price, quality, and differentiated goods and services with greater protection from anti-competitive behaviour. For Cambodia where a large percentage of businesses are SMEs, a good competition policy and law enhance their ability to compete when challenged by larger national and international competitors who may be in a position to exercise market power or engage in anti-competitive conduct. Competition law prohibits certain types of anti-competitive behaviour that would otherwise distort a market. It clarifies the “rules of the game” and establish codes of conduct to create a level playing field for both foreign and domestic firms, be they small, medium or large entities, to compete in the Cambodian market. It also creates an enforcement regime to prevent and correct anti-competitive conduct and abuses. In sum it set the framework within which a competitive market economy can develop and operate. Chapter 13 of the RCEP and its related Annexes aim to establish open and competitive markets that promote competition, and enhance economic efficiency and consumer welfare. It does so through the adoption and maintenance of laws and regulations that proscribe anti-competitive activities. The Agreement includes obligations to maintain an independent competition authority. In that context, Cambodia is required to establish an authority to effectively implement its competition laws and regulations and ensure that their decision-making in relation to the enforcement of anti-competitive activities are independent and non discriminatory. Anti-competitive activities may include anti-competitive agreements, abuses of a dominant position, and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions. Art 13.2 recognises however the sovereign rights of Cambodia to develop, set, administer, and enforce its competition laws, regulations, and policies in the area of competition law and policy. Chapter 13 does not require sharing of any confidential information that is contrary to that an RCEP Party’s laws, regulations, and important interests. It does provide however a process for requesting confidential information and restricting their use. The importance of consumer protection law is recognized in Art 13.7, which requires Cambodia to maintain laws or regulations to proscribe misleading practices or false or misleading descriptions. It stresses as well the importance of improving access and awareness of consumer redress mechanisms. Cambodia’s Competition Law and Policy – With respect to the substantive prohibitions, Cambodia’s Competition Law adopted last year largely accords with international practice and compares favourably with ASEAN and other RCEP countries. However, enforcing an effective competition law and policy is a complex matter. On the government side, there are significant efforts and cost to set up and operate a competition authority including developing expertise, undertaking market studies and advocacy activities, and conducting investigations and enforcing administrative decisions. While the Cambodia Competition Commission (CCC) has the power to issue interim measure and/or administrative decision, it may seek assistance from a competent court to enforce these measures. In such eventuality, hearing economically complex competition cases in appeal would need to be done by specialized commercial courts. The sophisticated concepts behind horizontal and vertical agreements would be difficult to grasp for most of judges handling general civil cases. Even to a seasoned judge, it remains a challenge as competition cases are highly specialised subject matters that require special market knowledge and skills, in particular with regards to the evaluation of the impact assessment and other economic analysis that form the basis of competition cases. The recent decision of the Ministry of Justice to set up a committee to prepare for the establishment of a Commercial Court should consider having commercial judges trained in competition matters as well. For RCEP to be a competitive and innovative region with well-functioning markets, rules on competition will need to be operational and effective across all RCEP Member States. Increasingly, many competition problems have a cross border component, requiring regional collaboration to enforce competition rules. Many of the most significant competition investigations have international implications,  for example conducts may have been committed outside Cambodia that affects markets within Cambodia. Cambodia will thus be required to cooperate and coordinate with competition regulators in other jurisdictions. Moving forward there are several steps to overcome gradually these challenges. Public advocacy is one with active promotion of competition law education at law schools, the court, and businesses to build acceptability of the new concept. Strengthening the capacity of the regulator, the judiciary, and the judicial police is another. Selective enforcement of small local cases that are less complex is also a good start: enforcement of anti-competitive horizontal agreements are less difficult in terms of analysis of market conditions and are more focused on investigative techniques. It will gradually bring attention to market participants to change their behaviours. Enforcement of the prohibitions against abuse of dominance and anti-competitive mergers can start after the capacity of the regulator is enhanced. In sum, the lack of a competition culture in Cambodia is probably the most daunting task to reverse. Inadequate economic and business data, the limited expertise and resources constraints in the regulatory agency and a weak judiciary system are just compounding the difficulties further.

This is the fifth article covering the legal aspects of investment, part of a series of articles covering the economic, trade and investment impacts of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) on Cambodia. The RCEP which has one of the most noteworthy investment chapters in any FTAs was concluded at a time of a historically disruptive year marked by a drastic decline of global FDI flows due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hailed as a much needed shot in the arm for investment flows among RCEP countries, it is likely to shape global economics and politics in many years ahead, with the spotlight firmly on the Asia-Pacific region. The RCEP creates an enabling investment environment with greater predictability for investors throughout the region by providing a strong platform to expand investment and trade in services with various provisions easing investment restrictions amongst RCEP countries. It contains new generational types of provisions regulating not only trade in goods and services, but also including various objectives pertaining to free market and fair competition. It is emblematic of the regional shift away from bilateral investment treaties (BITs) in favour of the development of FTAs where for the last three decades, BITs have seen its number dramatically dwindling. Because of the developmental diversity of RCEP countries, ranging from developed, developing and LDCs, FDI-exporting and FDI-importing States, the Chapter reflects a good balance of diverse national interests and development imperatives. It contains flexibility in investment rules which encourage investment, without prejudicing the host States’ ability to regulate for legitimate public interest, especially in the post COVID recovery period. However, it does not include dedicated provisions on environment and labour found in most contemporary FTAs. Of great interest to Cambodia is that the RCEP’s objectives to help drive foreign investment into smaller ASEAN markets, such as Cambodia and Laos, where companies seeking to take advantage of their low-cost environments but for regulatory uncertainty have hesitated to invest there. It provides market access and protections for investors from all fifteen countries with, for the first time, provisions covering the four pillars of investments – liberalization, protection, promotion and facilitation. The covered investments include the following forms of investments such as: shares and other forms of equity participation; debt instruments; rights under contracts, including turnkey, construction, management, production, or revenue-sharing contracts; intellectual property rights and goodwill; claims to money or to contract performance related to a business; concessions, licences, authorisations and permits, including those for the exploration and exploitation of natural resources; and movable and immovable property and other property rights. It contains a national treatment provision which obliges a Party to afford treatment to investors and covered investments of any Party that is no less favourable than the treatment it affords its own investors and covered investments, in like circumstances, with respect to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, conduct, operation, and sale or other disposition of investments in its territory. Foreign investors and their covered investment are to be accorded fair and equitable treatment (FET) and full protection and security (FPS) in accordance with the customary international law minimum standard of treatment of aliens. In terms of performance requirements, it prohibits a Party from imposing certain types of performance requirements on investors that go beyond the WTO Trade Related Investment Measures (TRIMS) Agreement. Any of the following requirements are prohibited, i.e. to export a given level or percentage of goods or to achieve a given level or percentage of domestic content. It prohibits requirements to appoint particular nationalities to the board of directors and senior management positions in the businesses of covered investments. A Party may however require that a majority of the board of directors be of a particular nationality, provided that the requirement does not materially impair the ability of the investor to exercise control over its investment. There are obligations to allow all transfers relating to a covered investment to be made freely and without delay into and out of each Party’s territory. Such transfers include, among others: contributions to capital, including the initial contribution; profits, capital gains, dividends, interest, royalty payments, management fees, licence fees, and other current income accruing from the covered investment; proceeds from the sale or liquidation of all or any part of the covered investment; payments arising out of the settlement of a dispute; and earnings and other remuneration of personnel engaged from abroad in connection with the covered investment. There is a denial of benefits clause where a Party may deny benefits to an investor of another Party or a third Party where their investments are in breach of the host State’s laws against money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. There is an obligation not to expropriate or nationalise a covered investment unless it is undertaken: for a public purpose; in a non-discriminatory manner; upon payment of prompt, adequate, and effective compensation; and in accordance with due process of law. Lastly, it provides for improved investment facilitation provisions which address investor aftercare, such as assistance in the resolution of complaints and grievances that may arise. These provisions are largely best endeavour and include typical commitments to simplify procedures for investment applications and approvals, promoting the dissemination of investment information and establishing and maintaining contact points. Nationally, the timing of Cambodia’s new Law on Investment, promulgated last October 2021, reflects the evolution of the investment climate in the country. Its stated purpose was to establish an open, transparent, predictable, and favorable legal framework to attract more investors and enhance the quality and efficiency of investments in the country. It was intended to serve as a stepping-stone for Cambodia to becoming a more attractive investment destination by giving a wider range of incentives, guarantees, and protections for both domestic and foreign investors at the time of the entry into force of the RCEP. Between the RCEP and the new Law on Investment, Cambodia is prime to welcome a new wave of investors to its shore.

This is the fourth article on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), part of a series of articles covering its economic, trade and investment impacts on Cambodia. This article covers the legal aspects of the Trade in Services. Chapter 8 of the RCEP Agreement covers many aspects of modern economic life for many service providers. It provides a platform to expand greater trade in services through substantial removal of restrictive and discriminatory measures, either quantitative or qualitative, affecting trade in services. At the RCEP level, at least 65% of the services sectors will be fully open to investors, with commitments to raise the ceiling for foreign shareholding limits in various industries, such as professional services, telecommunications, financial services, and distribution and logistics services. These improved commitments are very important for many exporters as they look to undertake services-related activities to support their international business, such as establishing an in-market presence, forming commercial partnerships or providing after-sales services. It builds on existing WTO commitments and delivers improved market access for services exporters in RCEP markets, going beyond equivalent rules in the existing ASEAN Plus One FTAs, with provisions on the reasonability, objectivity, and impartiality of domestic regulations affecting trade in services. Cambodian services exporters to the RCEP region already enjoy market access benefits secured through various ASEAN free trade agreements and most recently with the Cambodia-China FTA and the Cambodia–ROK FTA. In RCEP, these benefits have been consolidated and improved upon in a range of areas, allowing for greater transparency and usability for services providers hoping to identify new opportunities across the East Asia region. The Chapter contains key elements for deeper services liberalisation in key services sectors like e-commerce, financial, and professional services. Modern and comprehensive provisions that establish high quality rules for the supply of services between Parties include obligations to provide access to foreign service suppliers (market access), to treat local and foreign suppliers equally (national treatment), to treat foreign suppliers at least as well as suppliers of any other non-RCEP country (most-favoured-nation or MFN), and local presence. Similar to its negotiations made during the accession to the WTO, Cambodia’s commitments was driven  by its updated development policies aimed, in particular, at attracting inbound foreign investment. Cambodia made commitments over 100 sectors and sub-sectors in the form of a positive list, much higher than it did during the WTO accession. The commitments that Cambodia undertook shared the following characteristics. Generally, the limitation on Mode 1 (cross-border supply) is aimed at promoting investment in the country, including job creation and transfer of know-how. For Mode 2 (consumption abroad), Cambodia generally had no restrictions, while for Mode 3 (commercial presence) the limitation is in line with GATS Art. XIX.2 and IV, since it aims at ensuring transfer of knowledge and technology and is the best way to improve the capacity of Cambodian professionals. Several considerations motivated the trade in services commitments. First, Cambodia felt comfortable in taking on commitments in sectors where it had long had open policies regarding foreign participation and where they have served the country well, as in the case, for example, of banking and tourism services. Cambodia also felt at ease in opening up sectors where its citizens could compete or cooperate with foreigners, for example in guide services. However, where Cambodia saw an advantage in reserving part of a market for its SMEs, it did so. For example, similar to its commitment made under the WTO, it committed to opening its hotel market only for hotels of three stars or higher. Second, Cambodia centered its negotiations on areas that would contribute most to improving those services required by businesses, thus enhancing the overall investment environment. For example, Cambodia committed to allow foreign firms to operate in the areas of legal services (with some exceptions), accounting, auditing, management consulting, and transport. Allowing foreign supply of retail services for supermarkets is also key to provide convenient services to the growing expatriate community. With the reopening of the economy in the post-pandemic period, services in support of an increased connectivity bear well for the hospitality industry, and certainly, for the food and beverages services industry. Third, Cambodia made commitments in areas that will help Cambodians develop the skills needed for a modern and competitive economy, for example, it committed to allow foreign firms to provide higher education services. As professional cooperation is also envisaged between RCEP countries to mutually recognize each other’s professional qualifications, upgrading skills will potentially be opening doors for market opportunities for dentists, engineers, and other professions. Cambodia undertook also commitments in the areas of health care and environmental services, which can contribute to the upgrade of its public health system. From a trade in services perspective, the predictability of Cambodia’s regulatory commitments made to liberalise various services sectors will encourage more service suppliers in advanced economies, which have seen market saturation in their home country, to venture out into Cambodia. This market opening will offer new joint venture or commercial collaboration possibilities for Cambodian services suppliers. As a matter of fact, 17 years after the country’s accession to the WTO, Cambodian companies have developed their respective strength and expertise in the market place. Many have moved to manufacturing and improve its process ecosystem, with matured supply chain linkages. Others have moved their business online, resulting in a surge of digital shops and accelerating e-commerce growth. The young and talented professionals, many of whom returning home one after the other from their overseas studies – thanks to the generosity of many development partners’ scholarships-, are quite well-placed to influence friendly business policies. Their capabilities in mastering diverse foreign languages offered prospects as well for acting as a bridge with Chinese, Japanese or Australian employers. Certainly, there will be many opportunities for these homegrown companies to develop innovative services to tap the regional supply chain chains, and most importantly, to emerge as credible business actors in the international business scene.

His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair, briefed the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Myanmar, along with Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, and Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator. The briefing session was instrumental for mobilising international efforts in helping Myanmar return to normalcy.  Yet, the immediate focus is on the cessation of violence and ensuring inclusive and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to all in dire need in Myanmar. As Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair, His Excellency PRAK Sokhonn hold in high regard active and close collaboration with the UNSG’s Special Envoy and remain firmly committed to working with all parties to reach our shared goals, especially the effective implementation of the ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus.

On 25 January 2022, His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, briefed the diplomatic corps on the visit of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, to Myanmar on 07-08 January 2022. The Briefing seeks to elucidate Cambodia’s intention in being contributory to peacebuilding in Myanmar, which must begin with mutual trust and confidence. His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister reiterated that the peace process must be led by Myanmar itself. As ASEAN Chair, we will do our best to facilitate it, and the constructive support from our ASEAN family, our partners, and all relevant actors will be highly regarded.

On the morning of 17 January 2022, His Excellency PRAK Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, held a meeting with His Excellency Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of ASEAN, on the occasion of his 5-day official visit to the Kingdom.

On 17 January 2022, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, met with His Excellency Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of ASEAN. On this occasion, Samdech Techo Prime Minister highlighted key important tasks and the challenges that ASEAN is currently facing, especially the ASEAN connectivity, which was disrupted by the Covid-19. Samdech Techo said that we must do our best to revitalize the connectivities in order to promote tourism and trade within the region. Samdech Techo informed that Covid-19 in Cambodia is getting better; though there is a new variant of Covid-19 named Omicron, Cambodia can still handle it consistently.  Samdech Techo also highlighted the Myanmar situation, especially regarding the recent working visit to Myanmar. He pointed out that the visit aimed to help Myanmar, which is in a difficult situation, and raised the three main objectives of his visit to Myanmar as follows: 1)  To have a ceasefire talk aiming at ending violence and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.  2)  To provide humanitarian assistance to those in need in Myanmar 3)  To open the door for negotiation and finding solutions and pave the way for ASEAN Special Envoy. Besides this, Samdech Techo Prime Minister highlighted the importance of establishing the ASEAN Troika, which composes of the past, incumbent, and the incoming chair of ASEAN, together with the support of the ASEAN Secretary-General. Regarding the South China Sea, Samdech Techo Prime Minister raised that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the DOC and thanked the ASEAN Secretary-General and all stakeholders for agreeing to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the DOC. Samdech stressed that we will continue to accelerate the COC negotiation and asked ASEAN Secretary-General to contribute to the negotiations to move forward.  With the Indo-Pacific Concept, Samdech Techo Prime Minister encouraged the ASEAN Secretary-General and Indonesia to promote the preparation of Plans of Action, that support and line with the ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific. Samdech Techo also mentioned Timor-Leste's membership, emphasizing that we have been doing this work for 11 years. The country has been waiting for a long time and requested the ASEAN Secretary-General to support Timor-Leste in joining ASEAN. Samdech Techo also mentioned that Cambodia, as a Chair-ASEAN this year, plans to host the ASEAN Global Dialogue and asked for support from ASEAN Secretary-General. The theme of this dialogue will be on post-Covid-19 comprehensive recovery by inviting key international actors to participate. In response, the Secretary-General of ASEAN thanked Samdech Techo Prime Minister, for his recommendations and guidance for the work of ASEAN in 2022. He emphasized his efforts to work with the ASEAN Chair this year and other areas that Cambodia leads, including the issue of Covid-19. He raised that we plan to have Health Ministers’ Meeting to promote cooperation against Covid-19. Furthermore, his Excellency ASEAN Secretary-General emphasized working closely with other ASEAN members to promote ASEAN economic growth. On the 20th anniversary of the DOC, His Excellency ASEAN Secretary-General raised that he will put forth his efforts to have this work done and ready to support the conduct of meetings to promote the progress of negotiations on the COC. Regarding the Indo-Pacific vision, he emphasized that he will work with the chair of ASEAN and Indonesia to develop and roll out its plan of action. He also stressed his support for Cambodia on the initiative to hold ASEAN Global Dialogue in 2022. Regarding the situation in Myanmar, He also supported Cambodia's initiatives, especially on the implementation of five points consensus. As for Timor-Leste's membership, the ASEAN Secretariat of General will continue to provide special support and training to Timor-Leste officials. He stressed that he wanted to see the progress of Timor-Leste's readiness to become a new member of ASEAN. Samdech Techo also informed the ASEAN Secretariat-General on organizing a plenary meeting to carry out humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, emphasizing that Japan has also supported the idea of conducting a meeting on humanitarian assistance in Myanmar.

On the morning of 05 January 2022, Her Excellency EAT Sophea, Secretary of State and ASEAN SOM Leader of Cambodia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, chaired the Preparatory ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting via videoconference to discuss the preparation for the upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Siem Reap province, Cambodia.

- Our theme: ASEAN A.C.T.: “Addressing Challenges Together” - Our logo: The traditional design of lotus flower embodies the glory and harmony of peace sustained by all 10 ASEAN Member States, with the three colours on its leaves are derived from the three colours of Cambodian flag, whereas the gold touch represents the colour and diversity of ASEAN. - Our core spirit: Togetherness, solidarity and harmony! - Our key objectives: To maintain ASEAN centrality and unity, collectively address common challenges, ensure continuity of our works, and uphold a human-centred approach. - Our deliverables: Ranging from Joint and Leaders’ Statements to renewal of Work Plan and Plan of Action as well as hosting of all major side-events and activities. We are ready for this responsibility and we will fulfil this role with pride!

On the morning of 03 January 2022, His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, spoke at the 23rd ASEAN Lecture on Cambodia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2022, organized by the ASEAN Studies Centre at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, via videoconference.

On the afternoon of 29 December 2021, His Excellency PRAK Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and National Representative for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council, His Excellency PAN Sorasak, Minister of Commerce and National Representative for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council, and His Excellency DY Khamboly, Representative of His Excellency HANG Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports as the National Representative for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council, briefed on Cambodia’s ASEAN Chairmanship Priorities 2022 to diplomatic corps and media in a hybrid format.