Development challenges and national strategies

Ever since the overthrow of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979, Cambodia has been making a valiant attempt to emerge out of its tragic past. However, the absence of international assistance from most of the world and continued internal warfare, made rebuilding the nation difficult in the 1980s. A major shift occurred in 1989, when the country embarked on a new path to development based on reliance on the market and the private sector, aided and supported by the government. Soon thereafter, the political environment also improved as persistent turbulence gave way to relative stability following the Paris Peace Accord of 1991. The transition towards peace was strengthened by the holding of the first democratically conducted general elections in 1993 under the auspices of the United Nations Team of Action for Cambodia, which was followed up by the adoption of the new constitution and formation of a national Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC). Since then, Cambodia’s move towards a peaceful, democratic and prosperous society has gathered momentum and the country has moved forward, except for a brief interlude in 1998 when a new civil war threatened but was eventually averted.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions