Cambodia to Host ASEAN Business Summit 2026 Focused on Regional Transformation

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is set to host the Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit 2026 (CABS 2026) on March 3-4, 2026, bringing together key business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the ASEAN region. The summit, organized by the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Cambodia, aims to position Cambodia as a central hub for innovation and industrial transformation within ASEAN.

Summit Theme and Objectives

CABS 2026 will be held under the theme “ASEAN Transformation: Innovation, Integration, and Industrial Evolution.” Discussions will center on critical areas for regional economic growth, including green industry, economic diversification, supply chain integration, and workforce development. Specific areas of focus include clean energy transitions, high-value manufacturing, and the modernization of technical and vocational training.

Key Participants and Government Support

The summit will draw a diverse range of participants, including dignitaries, ambassadors, representatives from regional institutions, multinational firms, and sectoral experts. Prime Minister Hun Manet will preside over the official opening ceremony on March 4th at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, demonstrating the Cambodian government’s strong commitment to strengthening its role as a regional growth hub.

ASEAN Secretariat Participation

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead the ASEAN Secretariat’s delegation to CABS 2026 at the invitation of Neak Oknha Kith Meng, President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and Chair of ASEAN Business Advisory Council Cambodia. Dr. Kao is likewise scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with high-ranking officials from the Royal Government of Cambodia and engage with the business community to reaffirm ASEAN’s commitment to regional economic cooperation.

Infrastructure Development as a Priority

Kith Meng, president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, has emphasized the importance of infrastructure development for regional integration. He stated the need to prioritize investments in both physical infrastructure – roads, railways, and ports – and digital connectivity.

Previous Collaboration

This summit builds upon previous collaborations, as evidenced by Dr. Kao Kim Hourn’s meeting with Neak Oknha Kith Meng on the sidelines of the Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit 2025, where they discussed ways to strengthen regional and intra-ASEAN trade.

CABS 2026 is expected to be a pivotal event in driving ASEAN’s economic agenda forward, fostering greater collaboration and innovation across the region.