Publication:
Cambodia Economic Update, October 2016: Enhancing Export Competitiveness, the Key to Cambodia’s Future Economic Success

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Files in English
English PDF (2.63 MB)
470 downloads
English Text (279.48 KB)
153 downloads
Date
2016-10
ISSN
Published
2016-10
Editor(s)
Abstract
Cambodia’s economic activity continues to expand, led by solid growth in garment exports and strong construction activity. Real growth is projected to reach 7.0 percent in 2016, in line with the resilient performance across the region. The economy is projected to sustain its high growth trajectory, expanding at 6.9 percent in both 2017 and 2018 propelled by exports and government consumption. The agriculture sector is expected to improve slightly due to better weather conditions this year and to expand gradually in the near term, thanks to concerted efforts by all stakeholders, in particular the public sector. Risks, however, include potential uncertainty related to commune and general elections in 2017 and 2018, respectively, a sharp decline in the construction and real estate sector, fallout from a rise in US interest rates, regional tensions and slower global growth. Although severe drought caused by El Niño is a challenge, the downward trend of poverty is expected to continue over the next few years, albeit driven mainly by the garment, construction, and services sectors. The agriculture sector, which was the main driver of poverty reduction in the past has recently eased.
Link to Data Set
Citation
World Bank Group. 2016. Cambodia Economic Update, October 2016: Enhancing Export Competitiveness, the Key to Cambodia’s Future Economic Success. Cambodia economic update;. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/25272 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.
Associated URLs
Associated content
Report Series
Other publications in this report series
Journal
Journal Volume
Journal Issue

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Publication
    Cambodia Economic Update, May 2019
    (World Bank, Phnom Penh, 2019-05) World Bank Group
    Preliminary estimates show real growth achieved a four-year high of 7.5 percent in 2018, compared to 7.0 percent in 2017. Driven primarily by rapid expansion of exports and robust internal demand, the economy performed better-than expected. Exports burgeoned as external demand, especially in the United States and European Union markets, strengthened. Garment and footwear exports which account for more than two-thirds of total merchandise exports, recorded a five-year high,rising by 17.6 percent in 2018, up from 8.3 percent in 2017. Upbeat consumer confidence led to a surge in imports. Motor vehicles and steel imports, which gauge domestic consumption and construction demands, rose by 50 percent and 48 percent, respectively. The current account deficit widened to 10.4 percent of GDP in 2018, from 9.7 percent of GDP in 2017, but remained fully financed by foreign direct investment (FDI). FDI is estimated to have reached a record high of more than 3.0 billion US dollars or 13.4 percent of GDP in 2018. Burgeoning exports and strong FDI inflows have contributed to further accumulation of gross international reserves, which in 2018 reached 10.1 billion US dollars or about six months of prospective imports.
  • Publication
    Clear Skies : Cambodia Economic Update, October 2014
    (Washington, DC, 2014-10) World Bank Group
    This issue of the Cambodia economic update covers the following selected issues: 1) making the most of the Cambodian rise sector; and 2) creating opportunities for firms as reflected in findings from the investment climate assessment. For FY2014 economic growth held up well despite domestic uncertainty and instability in neighboring countries. Real growth is estimated to reach 7.2 percent, driven by the garment, construction, and services sectors. Overall macroeconomic management has been good with fiscal consolidation underpinned by improved revenue administration. In 2015 with the expectation of renewed confidence and the return of political stability after ending a yearlong political deadlock in July 2014, bolstered by a strengthening global economy, Cambodia's real growth rate is expected to reach 7.5 percent, similar to that of 2013. The downside risks to the projected robust growth are a potential recurrence of labor unrest, natural disasters, especially the possibility of heavy floods, as well as regional political uncertainty. Concerning rice production, growth decelerated in 2013 highlighting the importance of revitalizing the rice sector so it becomes once again a key engine of GDP growth. While the milled-rice export market is steadily expanding and increasing the number of destination markets, the milling and transport costs of Cambodian rice make it loose the competitiveness it has at farm gate prices. The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has set a very legitimate target of one million tons of milled rice exports that matters tremendously for poverty reduction and shared prosperity. Concerning the investment climate assessment findings, RGC's new five-year Rectangular Strategy III continues to prioritize improving the business environment to help diversify and increase value-added in production. The current period of robust growth represents an opportunity to make improvements to the business environment that will attract long-term investors. Proposed next steps in reforming the business environment include: a) addressing the high cost of electricity; b) automating government processes; c) encouraging new investment, particularly in special economic zones; d) continuing improvements to trade facilitation; e) completing the draft Competition Law; f) designing and implementing a system of incentives for business registration; and g) focusing on implementation and enforcement.
  • Publication
    Cambodia Economic Update, October 2018
    (World Bank, Phnom Penh, 2018-10) World Bank Group
    Economic growth remains strong, driven primarily by robust expansion in consumption and exports. Domestic demand has been boosted by higher wage growth and larger public investments, with fiscal expansion serving as stimulus. Public outlays were budgeted to increase to 24.6 percent of GDP in 2018 from 23.1 percent in 2017. At the same time, strong external demand has boosted exports of garment and footwear products, which increased 16.1 percent (y/y) during the first half of 2018 - a two year high—from 8.3 percent at the end of 2017. Tourist arrivals reached 3 million during the first six months of 2018, a 13.6 percent increase (y/y), compared with 11.8 percent in 2017, driven by a surge in tourist arrivals by air from China. Capital inflows, mainly comprising foreign direct investment (FDI) continue to increase, underpinning Cambodia's stable external position. Official data showed rising FDI to the manufacturing sector, especially the textile, apparel, and footwear industries, and to agroprocessing. Vibrant construction activity continues to be financed by rising FDI inflows and domestic credit. FDI is estimated to have increased by 14.3 percent (y/y) during the first six months of 2018. About 90 percent of the inflows (excluding those to the financial sector) have originated from China and are directed toward the construction and real estate, agriculture and agroprocessing, and garment sectors. A growing proportion of FDI is now invested in the productive sectors, namely the manufacturing and agriculture sectors, albeit its share remains relatively small at about 20 percent of total inflows.
  • Publication
    Cambodia Economic Update, October 2015
    (World Bank, Phnom Penh, 2015-10) World Bank Group
    Robust GDP growth continues, and real growth for 2014 has been revised up by the authorities to 7.1 percent from an earlier estimate of 7.0 percent. Strong domestic demand, boosted by a construction boom and accommodated by high domestic credit growth, helps offset the moderation in export growth with the slowdown of the garment, tourism and agriculture sectors observed in the first half of 2015. As an oil importer, the country benefits from the slump in oil prices, contributing to savings on petroleum imports. In this setting, growth is projected to ease slightly, to 6.9 percent in 2015. Downside risks to this outlook include potential renewed labor discontent, further appreciation of the US dollar, a delay in economic recovery in Europe, and a hard landing of the Chinese economy.
  • Publication
    Mongolia Quarterly Economic Update, October 2011
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2011-10) World Bank
    The economic rebound in recent quarters has been stronger than expected and the economy is showing signs of overheating. These signs are show up in rising inflation, especially of those goods and services which are in strong demand, but cannot easily be imported or whose local supply cannot readily be increased to meet the growing demand. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth reached 20.8 percent year-on-year (yoy) in Q3, following an outturn of 17.3 percent in Q2. Growth for the year as a whole will likely hit 15 percent, if not more, up from 6.4 percent in 2010, and is being pushed by infrastructure spending as Mongolia develops its vast mineral wealth. Inflation continues its upward trend. The trade deficit is close to record levels (US$ 1.4 bn in September using 12-month rolling sums) driven by a surge in mining-related equipment and fuel imports. Exports are growing strongly too, driven by large coal shipments to China. The 2012 budget continues this fiscal expansion and targets a 74 percent increase in expenditures (mostly on wages and social transfers).

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

  • Publication
    Lebanon Economic Monitor, Fall 2022
    (Washington, DC, 2022-11) World Bank
    The economy continues to contract, albeit at a somewhat slower pace. Public finances improved in 2021, but only because spending collapsed faster than revenue generation. Testament to the continued atrophy of Lebanon’s economy, the Lebanese Pound continues to depreciate sharply. The sharp deterioration in the currency continues to drive surging inflation, in triple digits since July 2020, impacting the poor and vulnerable the most. An unprecedented institutional vacuum will likely further delay any agreement on crisis resolution and much needed reforms; this includes prior actions as part of the April 2022 International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff-level agreement (SLA). Divergent views among key stakeholders on how to distribute the financial losses remains the main bottleneck for reaching an agreement on a comprehensive reform agenda. Lebanon needs to urgently adopt a domestic, equitable, and comprehensive solution that is predicated on: (i) addressing upfront the balance sheet impairments, (ii) restoring liquidity, and (iii) adhering to sound global practices of bail-in solutions based on a hierarchy of creditors (starting with banks’ shareholders) that protects small depositors.
  • Publication
    Argentina Country Climate and Development Report
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2022-11) World Bank Group
    The Argentina Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) explores opportunities and identifies trade-offs for aligning Argentina’s growth and poverty reduction policies with its commitments on, and its ability to withstand, climate change. It assesses how the country can: reduce its vulnerability to climate shocks through targeted public and private investments and adequation of social protection. The report also shows how Argentina can seize the benefits of a global decarbonization path to sustain a more robust economic growth through further development of Argentina’s potential for renewable energy, energy efficiency actions, the lithium value chain, as well as climate-smart agriculture (and land use) options. Given Argentina’s context, this CCDR focuses on win-win policies and investments, which have large co-benefits or can contribute to raising the country’s growth while helping to adapt the economy, also considering how human capital actions can accompany a just transition.
  • Publication
    World Development Report 2006
    (Washington, DC, 2005) World Bank
    This year’s Word Development Report (WDR), the twenty-eighth, looks at the role of equity in the development process. It defines equity in terms of two basic principles. The first is equal opportunities: that a person’s chances in life should be determined by his or her talents and efforts, rather than by pre-determined circumstances such as race, gender, social or family background. The second principle is the avoidance of extreme deprivation in outcomes, particularly in health, education and consumption levels. This principle thus includes the objective of poverty reduction. The report’s main message is that, in the long run, the pursuit of equity and the pursuit of economic prosperity are complementary. In addition to detailed chapters exploring these and related issues, the Report contains selected data from the World Development Indicators 2005‹an appendix of economic and social data for over 200 countries. This Report offers practical insights for policymakers, executives, scholars, and all those with an interest in economic development.
  • Publication
    The Journey Ahead
    (Washington, DC: World Bank, 2024-10-31) Bossavie, Laurent; Garrote Sánchez, Daniel; Makovec, Mattia
    The Journey Ahead: Supporting Successful Migration in Europe and Central Asia provides an in-depth analysis of international migration in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) and the implications for policy making. By identifying challenges and opportunities associated with migration in the region, it aims to inform a more nuanced, evidencebased debate on the costs and benefits of cross-border mobility. Using data-driven insights and new analysis, the report shows that migration has been an engine of prosperity and has helped address some of ECA’s demographic and socioeconomic disparities. Yet, migration’s full economic potential remains untapped. The report identifies multiple barriers keeping migration from achieving its full potential. Crucially, it argues that policies in both origin and destination countries can help maximize the development impacts of migration and effectively manage the economic, social, and political costs. Drawing from a wide range of literature, country experiences, and novel analysis, The Journey Ahead presents actionable policy options to enhance the benefits of migration for destination and origin countries and migrants themselves. Some measures can be taken unilaterally by countries, whereas others require close bilateral or regional coordination. The recommendations are tailored to different types of migration— forced displacement as well as high-skilled and low-skilled economic migration—and from the perspectives of both sending and receiving countries. This report serves as a comprehensive resource for governments, development partners, and other stakeholders throughout Europe and Central Asia, where the richness and diversity of migration experiences provide valuable insights for policy makers in other regions of the world.
  • Publication
    Classroom Assessment to Support Foundational Literacy
    (Washington, DC: World Bank, 2025-03-21) Luna-Bazaldua, Diego; Levin, Victoria; Liberman, Julia; Gala, Priyal Mukesh
    This document focuses primarily on how classroom assessment activities can measure students’ literacy skills as they progress along a learning trajectory towards reading fluently and with comprehension by the end of primary school grades. The document addresses considerations regarding the design and implementation of early grade reading classroom assessment, provides examples of assessment activities from a variety of countries and contexts, and discusses the importance of incorporating classroom assessment practices into teacher training and professional development opportunities for teachers. The structure of the document is as follows. The first section presents definitions and addresses basic questions on classroom assessment. Section 2 covers the intersection between assessment and early grade reading by discussing how learning assessment can measure early grade reading skills following the reading learning trajectory. Section 3 compares some of the most common early grade literacy assessment tools with respect to the early grade reading skills and developmental phases. Section 4 of the document addresses teacher training considerations in developing, scoring, and using early grade reading assessment. Additional issues in assessing reading skills in the classroom and using assessment results to improve teaching and learning are reviewed in section 5. Throughout the document, country cases are presented to demonstrate how assessment activities can be implemented in the classroom in different contexts.