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Research Centres
Centre for Development Economics and Trade
The Centre for Development Economics and Trade (CDET) conducts applied and policy researches focusing on Cambodia’s economy, trade and regional cooperation. We monitor Cambodia’s economic management and performance; provide evidence-based economic policy analysis; and engage in local and regional dialogues to inform policymaking. Our research has a strong link to national policies, particularly the Rectangular Strategy (Phase IV) and the National Strategic Development Plan (2019-23). Specifically, we contribute to two pillars of the NSDP: Economic Diversification, Private Sector and Market Development; and Sustainable and Inclusive Development. Our delivery mechanism includes policy and academic research, capacity building, knowledge dissemination and sharing, and policy influence and outreach. Our research agenda falls within five broad development areas: economic development, focusing on sustainability and inclusion; trade and regional cooperation; private sector development, focusing on small and medium enterprises; employment and employability, with a cross-cutting theme on gender and youth; and data for research and development (D4RD). We have extensive experience on regional cooperation and research projects, working with think tanks and research institutes in ASEAN and the Mekong region. The Greater Mekong Subregion Research Network (GMS-Net) is an example of such collaboration.
Projects（https://www.cdri.org.kh/research/development-economics-and-trade?tab=1）
Researchers（https://www.cdri.org.kh/research/development-economics-and-trade?tab=2）
Publications（https://www.cdri.org.kh/research/development-economics-and-trade?tab=3）
News（https://www.cdri.org.kh/research/development-economics-and-trade?tab=5）
Events（https://www.cdri.org.kh/research/development-economics-and-trade?tab=6）
The Survey on Skills Demand in Cambodia
Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training
This nationwide survey, conducted by the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), assesses current and emerging skills demand across provinces and...
Read More...（https://www.cdri.org.kh/project/the-survey-on-skills-demand-in-cambodia）
Turning Crisis into Opportunity: A Programme of Intervention for Cambodian Returnees
The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia
This project, jointly developed by CDRI and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), provides a comprehensive policy and programme framework to support the reintegration of approximately 910,000 Cambodian...
Read More...（https://www.cdri.org.kh/project/turning-crisis-into-opportunity-a-programme-of-intervention-for-cambodian-returnees）
Survey on Assessing MSME Market Dynamics and Resilience in Phnom Penh: Challenges and Opportunities
Cambodia Development Resource Institute
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of Phnom Penh’s urban economy, yet they are increasingly pressured by economic slowdown, and digital disruption. High business turnover reflects survival-driven ent...
Read More...（https://www.cdri.org.kh/project/survey-on-assessing-msme-market-dynamics-and-resilience-in-phnom-penh-challenges-and-opportunities）
CDRI Economic Updates
Cambodia Development Resource Institute
The CDRI Economic Updates provide regular updates on the state of the economy, specifically by tracking the economic cycle of wealth in Cambodia at both the macroeconomic and micro-household and business levels. It provides a brie...
Read More...（https://www.cdri.org.kh/project/cdri-economic-updates）
Opportunity Case 3: Livelihood Resilience in Rural Villages
The Asia Foundation
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Ponlok Chammes
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Australia Aid
CDRI has been conducting the Moving out of Poverty (MOP) survey since 1996/1997 in 3 village household samples and this sample have been extended 11 villages across 7 provinces by 2020. CDRI surveys the same 1000 households eve...
Read More...（https://www.cdri.org.kh/project/opportunity-case-3-livelihood-resilience-in-rural-villages）
The Study on "Gendered Barriers to Digital and Green Economy in Cambodia"
Asian Development Bank
Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) often face challenges in utilizing digital technologies despite the vital roles of these technologies in business development. In particular, female-led MSMEs are less likely to u...
Read More...（https://www.cdri.org.kh/project/the-study-on-gendered-barriers-to-digital-and-green-economy-in-cambodia）
20 Years of FDI in Cambodia: Towards Upper Middle-Income Status and Beyond
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
The assessment of the development potential of inward FDI (IFDI), and its complementarity with outward FDI (OFDI), in terms of creation/destruction and specialisation/diversification of national, regional and local economic act...
Read More...（https://www.cdri.org.kh/project/20-years-of-fdi-in-cambodia-towards-upper-middle-income-status-and-beyond）
Cambodia Vision 2030: An Assessment of Cambodia's Upper-middle-income Target for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Gr...
Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED)
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Australia Aid
Inspired by the high and sustained economic growth of the past decades that lifted disposable income and pulled millions of people out of poverty, the Cambodian government has set its ambitious target of becoming an upper middl...
Read More...（https://www.cdri.org.kh/project/cambodia-vision-2030-an-assessment-of-cambodia-s-upper-middle-income-target-for-resilient-inclusive-and-sustainable-growth）
Best Practices and Opportunities for Enhancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Cambodia
AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee
The innovation and entrepreneurial activities have multiplied recently, with many new companies emerging in various industries. However, start-ups face many challenges, such as access to talent, idea, markets, and funding. Creat...
Read More...（https://www.cdri.org.kh/project/best-practices-and-opportunities-for-enhancing-innovation-and-entrepreneurship-in-cambodia）
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International Publications（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/type/）
CHHORN Dina（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/chhorn-dina）
HOUY Sivly（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/houy-sivly）
NHIM Kean Muny (2026)
The Role of Digital Platforms and Cross-Border Trade in Cambodian Firm Performance（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/the-role-of-digital-platforms-and-cross-border-trade-in-cambodian-firm-performance）
Digital platforms are reshaping how firms access markets, manage transactions and participate in international trade. In Cambodia, where micro and small enterprises dominate, digital platforms offer opportunities to improve productivity, expand market reach and enable cross-border trade. Using firm-level data, this study examines the relationship between digital platform adoption, trade participat...
Research Reports（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/type/）
James Giesecke
Robert Waschik
Milan Thomas（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/milan-thomas）
CHHORN Dina（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/chhorn-dina） (2026)
The Economic Impact on Cambodia of International Energy-Market Disruption（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/the-economic-impact-on-cambodia-of-international-energy-market-disruption）
We use GTAP-FIN, a dynamic global computable general equilibrium model, to estimate the consequences for Cambodia of energy-market disruption originating in the Persian Gulf in 2026. We model two sets of shocks: a rise in prices for oil, gas, refined petroleum and chemicals, implemented via a productivity disruption to energy production in the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula region; and a set of r...
International Publications（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/type/）
SAMRETH Sovannroeun（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/samreth-sovannroeun）
NITH Kosal（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/nith-kosal） (2026)
Determinants of Informal Borrowing: Evidence from Households in 11 Rural Villages in Cambodia（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/determinants-of-informal-borrowing-evidence-from-households-in-11-rural-villages-in-cambodia）
Informal borrowing remains an important source of financing for rural Cambodian households, exposing them to exploitative interest rates. This study examines the determinants of informal credit reliance using survey data from 1,183 households in 11 villages. We analyze how financial literacy, measured based on understanding of basic financial and economic concepts, social capital (based on communi...
Policy Briefs 2（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/type/）
CDRI
ERIA (2026)
Economic Reintegration of Returnees and Border-Province Development Strategies in the Post-Conflict Period（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/economic-reintegration-of-returnees-and-border-province-development-strategies-in-the-post-conflict-period）
Reintegration must move beyond employment numbers towards productivity and income recovery:Large-scale job matching initiatives have absorbed many returnees, but employment alone does not ensure durable reintegration. Income has declined, vulnerability remains high, and skills mismatch persists. Policy must shift toward job quality, productivity upgrading, employment certification, and income...
Other Publications（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/type/）
MAO Sosengphyrun（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/mao-sosengphyrun） (2025)
Managing Fieldwork in Urban Cambodia: Lessons Learnt from the Survey Project “Assessing MSME Market Dynamics and Resilience in Phnom Penh: Challenges...（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/managing-fieldwork-in-urban-cambodia-lessons-learnt-from-the-survey-project-assessing-msme-market-dynamics-and-resilience-in-phnom-penh-challenges-and-opportunities）
This report shares fieldwork experiences from a large-scale survey conducted in Phnom Penh in early 2025, focusing on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Khan Meanchey. With over 14,000 businesses surveyed, the project aimed to gather reliable data to support policy decisions and project planning, particularly by capturing information about businesses that had closed or were at risk of...
Working Papers 152（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/type/）
I Younan An（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/i-younan-an）
CHHORN Dina（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/chhorn-dina） (2025)
Firm-Level Performance in Cambodia: An Economic Census-Based Diagnostics（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/firm-level-performance-in-cambodia-an-economic-census-based-diagnostics）
Cambodia’s enterprise landscape remains structurally dualistic, characterised by an extensive base of micro and informal firms coexisting with a narrow segment of large, often foreign-owned enterprises. Using the Economic Census of Cambodia 2022, this study examines the determinants of firm performance and the structural conditions shaping business outcomes nationwide. The findings confirm that fo...
Research Reports（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/type/）
KANAYAMA Yuki
HOUY Sivly（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/houy-sivly）
VEUNG Naron（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/veung-naron） (2025)
Gendered Barriers Facing Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Digital and Green Economy in Major Cambodian Cities（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/gendered-barriers-facing-micro-small-and-medium-sized-enterprises-in-the-digital-and-green-economy-in-major-cambodian-cities）
Drawing on extensive data and stakeholder insights, it reveals how unequal access to knowledge, finance, and networks can hold back enterprises owned by women. The report sets out targeted policy recommendations for inclusive economic development where women entrepreneurs are empowered to lead in the digital and green economy.For the full report, please visit: https://dx.doi.org/10.22617/TCS250515...
Policy Briefs（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/type/）
KANAYAMA Yuki
Veronica Mendizabal Joffre
HOUY Sivly（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/houy-sivly）
SONG Sopheak（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/song-sopheak） (2025)
Addressing Barriers to Digital Adoption Among Cambodian Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/addressing-barriers-to-digital-adoption-among-cambodian-micro-small-and-medium-sized-enterprises）
Gender gaps in digital adoption are mainly linked to structural factors affecting business scale rather than gender-specific technology barriers. When firm size is comparable, men and women owners show similar rates of digital adoption.Barriers to digital adoption for MSMEs include limited information, skill shortages, uncertain economic benefits, financial constraints, owners’ business aspiration...
Research Reports（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/type/）
CHHORN Dina（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/chhorn-dina）
I Younan An（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/i-younan-an）
NITH Kosal（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/nith-kosal）
HOUY Sivly（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/houy-sivly）
NHIM Kean Muny
MAO Sosengphyrun（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/mao-sosengphyrun） (2025)
Assessing MSME Market Dynamics and Resilience in Phnom Penh: Challenges and Opportunities（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/assessing-msme-market-dynamics-and-resilience-in-phnom-penh-challenges-and-opportunities）
This report examines the market dynamics and resilience of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Khan Meanchey, Phnom Penh, based on data from 14,820 establishments. MSMEs are deeply embedded in the urban economy, with nearly every household engaged in business activity. Despite a strong post-pandemic recovery in 2023, early signs of slowdown emerged in 2024 due to inflation, digita...
Edited Books（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/type/）
SAMRETH Sovannroeun（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/samreth-sovannroeun）
ENG Netra（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/eng-netra）
Budy Prasetyo Resosudarmo（https://www.cdri.org.kh/staff/budy-prasetyo-resosudarmo） (2025)
Navigating Through Crisis: Socio-Economic Impacts of COVID-19 in Mekong Region Countries（https://www.cdri.org.kh/publication/navigating-through-crisis-socio-economic-impacts-of-covid-19-in-mekong-region-countries）
This open access book explores the socio-economic challenges and recovery efforts in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar during the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on the pandemic’s wide-ranging impacts, particularly on individuals, households, and small and medium-sized enterprises across key sectors such as agriculture, garment manufacturing, and tourism. The analysis incorporates cross-cutting t...
Dialogue | The Middle-Income Trap: A Comparison of Cambodia and Pakistan（https://www.cdri.org.kh/news/dialogue-the-middle-income-trap-a-comparison-of-cambodia-and-pakistan）
03 June 2026
On 3 June 2026, CDRI hosted a dialogue on "The Middle-Income Trap: A Comparison of Cambodia and Pakistan," delivered by Dr Matthew McCartney, Chief Economist, and Dr Dina Chhorn, Centre Director of Development Economics and Trade.
The session brought together stakeholders from ministries and development partners to examine how two lower-middle-income economies — Cambodia and Pakistan — are navigating the structural challenge of sustaining eco...
Read More...（https://www.cdri.org.kh/news/dialogue-the-middle-income-trap-a-comparison-of-cambodia-and-pakistan）
Shifting the Tradition: A Strategy for Southeast Asia’s Future Manufacturing in a Fragmented World（https://www.cdri.org.kh/news/shifting-the-tradition-a-strategy-for-southeast-asia-s-future-manufacturing-in-a-fragmented-world）
20 June 2025
Author: Dr CHHORN Dina, Centre Director at CDRI’s Centre for Development Economics and TradeKey MessagesSoutheast Asia’s traditional manufacturing model, replicating the East Asian industrial