The People's Republic of China (PRC) is Cambodia’s largest bilateral donor, lender, investor, and trading partner. Economic relations have been strengthened by Cambodia’s active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

This hybrid seminar will examine the costs and benefits in Cambodia, both real and perceived, of participating in the BRI. A number of key questions relating to the current and future prospects of the BRI will be considered, including the following:

• How can Cambodia increase gains while mitigating the negative impacts of the BRI?
• How is the PRC trying to improve the environmental, social, and financial sustainability of BRI investments, following international criticisms, and is it working?
• Is the AIIB the right institution to help multilateralize the BRI?
• Is the BRI helping in achieving Cambodia’s aim of diversifying its economic structure? Are concerns over debt diplomacy or Dutch Disease warranted?

This hybrid seminar is jointly organized by ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute and the Cambodia Development Resource Institute.

Speakers 

• Jayant Menon, Senior Fellow, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute    
• Hal Hill, H.W. Arndt Professor Emeritus, Southeast Asian Economies at the Crawford School, College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University
• Phim Runsinarith, Research Director, National University of Management, Cambodia
• Moderator: Eng Netra, Executive Director, Cambodia Development Resource Institute