Luncheon with H.E. Dr. Sok Siphana
EuroCham Cambodia hosted a Luncheon with H.E. Dr. Sok Siphana, Advisor to the Royal Government of Cambodia and Managing Partner of Sok Siphana & Associates, focusing on the opportunities and risks that the private sector in Cambodia will face in the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
H.E. Dr. Sok Siphana explained that the ASEAN economic cooperation is a top-down initiative, so there is a lack of general awareness of the initiative. He went on giving an overview of AEC development on a macro level which includes the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and other major accomplishments in external economic relations. On the micro level (events inside the border), H.E. made a reference to the AEC Mutual Recognition Agreements which pose both potential benefits and challenges to Cambodia. He also gave the guests general information of products and services standards and non-tariff measures as well as updates of ASEAN and the National Single Window.
In his final note, H.E. Dr. Sok Siphana concluded that AEC is not the end-goal, but rather a work in progress for ASEAN member states. With regards to his perspective of Cambodia’s preparedness for AEC, he stated that the country has always opened its economy since the last 20 years and therefore is ready for economic integration. H.E. said that further initiatives of the AEC’s post-2015 economic integration will benefit trade and FDI in Cambodia as well as stimulate structural transformation in the country.
For more information, please refer to H.E. Dr. Sok Siphana presentation.
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