Themed “Transforming ASEAN Transformation: Innovation, Integration and Industrial Evolution,” the event aimed to promote economic growth, deepen regional integration, and advance sustainable development in Cambodia and across ASEAN, underscoring the bloc’s strong commitment to innovation-driven growth and fostering regional competitiveness.

In his remarks, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said ASEAN is striving to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2045.

While developed economies face demographic pressures and slowing productivity, ASEAN’s growth trajectory remains on the rise, he noted, adding that with positive regional growth forecasts this year, the bloc continues to act as a key motivation of the global economy.

Citing investment data for 2024–2025, Hun Manet said that while global FDI flows contracted by 11%, inflows to ASEAN rose by 8.5% to 226 billion USD. He affirmed that ASEAN is no longer merely an “alternative” destination for global firms seeking to diversify supply chains, but has become a strategic hub for sustainable and long-term growth.

The bloc’s resilience stems directly from its commitment to regional integration and balanced development of physical and digital infrastructure.

Cambodia is positioning itself as a strategic partner among ASEAN member states, Hun Manet said, adding that the CABS serves as an important platform for the Cambodian government to encourage greater involvement of the private sector in the Southeast Asian nation’s economy.

At the opening session, President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) of Cambodia Neak Oknha Kith Meng said the summit reflected the strong and enduring partnership between the CCC, Cambodia’s ASEAN-BAC, and partners from international chambers of commerce and business associations.

He stressed that ASEAN’s strength lies in preserving its openness and centrality, and that Southeast Asia must continue to stand out as a resilient, dynamic and opportunity-rich region.

Beyond in-depth discussions, the CABS provided ample opportunities for business networking and cooperation, helping businesses and investors explore investment prospects in key sectors./.