Cambodia stands at a pivotal moment in its economic development journey. As the country moves closer to graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2029, the need to diversify its economy, upgrade its industries, and build long-term resilience has never been more urgent. This publication is the fruit of a ten-month learning and research journey undertaken by the Adenauer Young Scholars for Excellence (AYSE) 2025 Cohort, who have engaged with leading experts and participated in policy discussions to explore the opportunities and challenges of Cambodia’s economic diversification.
These contributions are more than just individual policy briefs. Together, they provide a collective vision for the future of Cambodia’s economic development: one that is more diversified, competitive, and resilient. This volume also reflects the commitment and intellectual rigor of young Cambodian scholars to contribute meaningfully to national policy debates and development strategies
We extend our sincere gratitude to all AYSE Fellows for their dedication, and to our academic partners, trainers, and reviewers for their invaluable support. We hope this publication will inspire meaningful dialogue and inform practical solutions for Cambodia’s continued economic transformation.
