Hun Manet, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, addressed significant economic challenges during his keynote speech at the Future of Asia conference in Tokyo on May 30, 2025. Hosted by Nikkei, this annual event is a unique opportunity to meet with thought leaders and experts to discuss the most urgent challenges facing the Asian region. Hun Manet stressed the need for Cambodian businesses and communities to adjust to changing conditions. He explicitly called for “industrial recalibrations” to meet external, mainly US, pressures.
In short, the Cambodian economy is under immense pressure today. This comes on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a unilateral 49% “reciprocal” tariff rate on all imports from Cambodia. This measure would make the tariff the highest ever on the country among Southeast Asian nations. It hopes to punish the Chinese nationwide practices of transshipment suspected to be happening in Cambodia. Hun Manet has shown he understands the need to adapt to a new economic reality. This adaptation is essential to maintain prosperity and stability across the nation.
Hun Manet made addressing economic issues his central focus from the start. He furthered national security and regional stability following the recent border conflict with Thailand. He reiterated that “peace, above all, is our goal” will be the guiding principle of his administration. This line underscores the tightrope walked in this administration’s efforts to strengthen trade relations while challenging China’s territorial aggression.
To that end, The Future of Asia conference has become a critical platform for dialogue among civil society, business and government leaders about the region’s shared future. Hun Manet’s participation highlights Cambodia’s determination to work closely with their international and multilateral partners to steer through these stormy economic waters. His keynote speech inspired Summit attendees, who all understood that there is no better time to start recalibrating national and local industrial strategies to reflect the new geopolitical reality.
A tense border clash with Thailand occurred just days before Hun Manet’s remarks. This confluence made more clear than ever the need for his powerful and hopeful message about building peace and stability. Rhetoric is corrosive, and tensions are already high in the region. In counterpoint, the Prime Minister calls on the nation to unite and work together to prevent discord as the world economy pushes us toward conflict.
Myanmar activist Zaw Min as the conference welcomed him and his compatriots recently freed from jail. This stunning photograph represents an exciting moment in time for Cambodia, now seeking to reset its future in the rapidly evolving world of trade.