Strategic Foresight Group visited Cambodia in February 2014 to discuss Cambodia’s role in some of the important global affairs. They met with Sun Chanthol, Senior Minister, Ambassador Pou Sothirak, incoming Special Advisor to the Prime Minister and Director of the Cambodia Institute for Cooperation and Peace, Ouch Borith, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Te Navuth, Secretary General of the Cambodia National Mekong Commission, and various experts on Cambodia’s development.

The discussion on trans-boundary water issues exposed significant concerns that the Cambodian policy makers have about upstream dams being built by Lao Republic. This can damage eco-systems, particularly fisheries in Cambodia and Vietnam. The Cambodians are also concerned about uncertainty over China’s plans on the Mekong. There is cooperation between China and the downstream Mekong countries on exchange of data in the flood season. However, the Cambodian policy makers would like to extend this cooperation to the dry season. SFG and the Cambodian Government also discussed Cambodia’s possible role in global water and peace discourse deriving from Cambodia’s experience in the lower Mekong cooperation.

The Cambodian policy makers and academic experts seemed satisfied with trade, investment and economic cooperation with their ASEAN neighbours, which is now being extended to other Asian countries including China, Japan and India.

The Cambodian leaders shared with SFG the country’s gradual movement towards domestic reforms in economic as well as political spheres. Senior Minister Sun Chanthol explained Cambodia’s achievements in rice exports and his plans to attract foreign exchange by streamlining the regulatory process. Other leaders and experts emphasised the need for political reforms in the direction of strengthening democracy and creating an open society.

Cambodia is keen on cooperation with SFG in its different endeavours.