"Business Advisory and GSP Assessment for Cambodia", 10 November 2021

The United States has a long history of commitment to combatting corruption and supporting the rule of law in Cambodia and globally. Recent developments in Cambodia, including systemic corruption, transnational organized crime, and human rights abuses, threaten both U.S. national security interests and the fundamental freedoms of people in Cambodia. U.S. officials have regularly raised these concerns with Cambodia’s leaders, but regrettably there have been no meaningful changes.

..., the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Commerce have jointly issued a business advisory to caution U.S. businesses currently operating in, or considering operating in, Cambodia to be mindful of interactions with entities involved in corrupt business practices, criminal activities, and human rights abuses.

This advisory addresses two primary areas of exposure for U.S. companies in Cambodia:

• Illicit financial activities and related risks in the financial, real estate, casino, and infrastructure sectors; and
• Entanglements with Cambodian entities involved in trafficking in persons, wildlife and narcotics trafficking, and related risks in some areas of the manufacturing and timber sectors.

Businesses should apply appropriate due diligence to mitigate the reputational, economic, and possible legal risks associated with potential exposure to entities in Cambodia that engage in corruption, criminal activities, illicit financial activities, or human rights abuses.

Additionally, the United States Trade Representative will conduct an assessment of Cambodia’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) eligibility as part of a broader GSP evaluation...