Cambodia will work to ease impact of trade sanctions

Subject

EU trade sanctions on Cambodia.

Significance

The European Commission last week said the EU will partially suspend Cambodia’s trade preferences with the bloc in response to human rights violations such as political repression under Prime Minister Hun Sen's government. Meanwhile, Kem Sokha, co-founder of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), is on trial in a Phnom Penh municipal court for treason, a charge he denies.

Impacts

• Cambodia’s dependence on Chinese aid and investment will likely increase.
• Phnom Penh will continue to express solidarity with Beijing over the coronavirus crisis, hoping to strengthen bilateral ties.
• Hun Sen’s government may implement structural economic reforms as part of efforts to sustain economic growth.