Cambodia is embarking on a new phase with Prime Minister Hun Manet at the helm and its foreign affairs are of great importance at this juncture in time. The partnership with Germany is noteworthy among Cambodia’s international relationships due to its economic prosperity and cultural interconnectedness.

Having maintained relations for more than six decades, Germany has played a crucial role in Cambodia’s progress and growth. Under the leadership of Manet lies the prospect of enhancing and broadening this significant alliance.

Cambodia’s enduring partnership with Germany extends beyond financial assistance and investments; it plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s trajectory amidst worldwide changes. The prospects for the future development and stability of Cambodia rely heavily on fostering strong ties with Germany within the intricate global landscape.

Since Cambodia began its post-war rebuilding in the 1990s, Germany has played a crucial role as a key partner. Through organisations like GIZ – its international development agency – and KfW – its state-owned development bank – Germany has made contributions to Cambodia’s progress by focusing on various areas such as rural development, healthcare improvement, education enhancement and sustainable environmental initiatives.

Germany plays a role in Cambodia’s economy as one of its major trading partners in the EU. Cambodian products like textiles and garments have gained a foothold in the German market. Moreover, German investments in Cambodia have shown growth over time, particularly in manufacturing and more recently in renewable energy and sustainability initiatives.

Germany has also been actively promoting exchanges and scholarships that offer Cambodian students the chance to further their studies in Germany – a move that has fostered closer ties between the people of both countries and bolstered the bilateral relationship.

Under Manet’s guidance, it is essential for Cambodia to focus on enhancing and upholding ties with Germany for several important reasons.

Germany holds a position as one of Cambodia’s key trading partners in Europe and plays a vital role in supporting Cambodian exports within the garment and textile industries – sectors that form the backbone of the Cambodian economy.

Cambodia has benefitted greatly thanks to the EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) trade preferences. Sustaining ties with Germany guarantees ongoing access to this crucial market and paves the way for potential investments in areas like technological advancement, sustainable agriculture and manufacturing.

In addition to trade, Germany has supported Cambodia through various forms of aid, including technical and financial assistance in crucial sectors like infrastructure and healthcare.

Under Manet’s leadership, as Cambodia increasingly focuses on renewable development efforts to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the country stands to benefit from Germany’s expertise and resources in areas such as energy and environmental protection.

Germany has also backed Cambodia’s institutional growth by offering help in legal reforms, promoting good governance and advancing civil society. By maintaining close relations with Germany, Cambodia can expect continued support to enhance its democratic mechanisms and uphold legal principles. As the country aims to establish itself as a democracy, Germany’s expertise in governance and human rights will continue to play a pivotal role.

Cambodia’s youth has greatly benefitted from Germany’s initiatives, including scholarships for studying in Germany and technical training programmes. These exchanges not only boost Cambodia’s human resources but also promote mutual understanding between the two nations. Broadening these cultural connections can assist Cambodia in nurturing a proficient workforce that can fuel innovation and support the country’s future development.

Strategic alliances in tech and environmental sectors

Cambodia’s efforts to modernise its economy and adopt cutting-edge technologies could greatly benefit from Germany’s expertise in innovation and sustainable practices, particularly in energy and eco-friendly development.

By fostering partnerships with German firms and organisations in these areas, Cambodia, under Manet’s administration, can position Germany as a key ally in advancing its economic agenda. Germany’s proficiency in renewable energy management, waste disposal techniques and intelligent infrastructure design holds the potential to shape the trajectory of Cambodia’s prospective development strategies.

While the foundation of Cambodia-Germany relations is solid and enduring, both countries face hurdles that need to be overcome together. A significant obstacle lies in the changing scene in Cambodia and how it intersects with the interests of major global players, especially China.

Even though Germany honours Cambodia’s sovereignty and diplomatic decisions, finding a balanced approach in dealing with international affairs will be crucial for maintaining Cambodia’s favourable ties with Western allies, including Germany, as well as other influential nations across the globe.

Cambodia also needs to deal with internal issues like corruption, governance and human rights issues – areas EU countries like Germany keep a close eye on. It is crucial for Cambodia to prioritise transparency and legal integrity while promoting inclusivity to keep Germany’s trust and support for the country’s progress intact.

Enhancing collaboration

Cambodia could attract increased investment from Germany by enhancing its business climate and streamlining regulations while providing benefits in areas like sustainable energy solutions and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. The country should also consider broadening its export portfolio beyond textiles to boost trade opportunities by delving into sectors like agriculture and processed foods, as well as venturing into the realm of electronics.

There is potential for Cambodia to explore assistance from Germany in fields like adapting to climate change impacts, enhancing infrastructure and job training programmes. Given Germany’s role in sustainable development practices worldwide, it would be beneficial for Cambodia to work closely with German specialists and organisations on initiatives that bolster environmental sustainability efforts and economic strength.

Manet’s administration could boost educational interactions by providing more chances for Cambodian students to pursue studies in Germany and encouraging the teaching of the German language in Cambodia. The expansion of initiatives promoting cultural exchanges will foster a new generation of leaders with a deep understanding and appreciation for the importance of Cambodia-Germany ties.

To enhance relations with Germany effectively, Cambodia should engage in various multilateral discussions centred around mutual interests like environmental conservation, climate change efforts, peacekeeping initiatives and global trade agreements. Cambodia’s active involvement in ASEAN and Germany’s significant role within the EU create an environment for increased cooperation on both local and global matters.

Manet is starting his leadership journey with a focus on strengthening Cambodia’s ties with Germany – an essential aspect of its foreign policy that both countries value for the benefits it brings and the challenges it helps to address together. In today’s interconnected world, cooperation is crucial for economic progress, political stability and sustainable development in Cambodia and beyond.

Under the guidance of Manet’s leadership, there is an opportunity to strengthen this partnership, ensuring that Cambodia and Germany collaborate for the mutual benefit of their citizens and the global community at large.

Seun Sam is a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. The views expressed in the article are the author’s own.