UN Backs Cambodia’s Path to Economic Graduation by 2029
UN Backs Cambodia’s Path to Economic Graduation by 2029
PHNOM PENH, April 2, 2026 — Cambodia is on track to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029, a senior United Nations official said, underscoring the country’s rapid economic progress and strengthening global confidence in its development trajectory.
United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for LDCs, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima, expressed optimism during a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.
Fatima praised Cambodia’s sustained growth and reform efforts, noting that the country has already met graduation criteria in two previous UN assessments. She reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Cambodia’s transition, including through a dedicated task force established to assist the graduation process.
She also commended Cambodia for hosting the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Mid-term Review of the Doha Programme of Action and highlighted the country’s forward-looking approach, including initiatives that integrate development with heritage conservation.
Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed the UN’s continued support, emphasizing that Cambodia’s progress is driven by concrete policy implementation under the government’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase 1.
The strategy prioritizes human capital development, reforms in education and healthcare, expansion of technical and vocational training, financial system modernization, and stronger public-private partnerships aimed at boosting long-term competitiveness.
Hun Manet said Cambodia remains committed to maintaining reform momentum, strengthening national resilience, and deepening cooperation with international partners, including through UN-led frameworks and peacekeeping operations.
Cambodia’s expected graduation from LDC status marks a significant milestone in its post-conflict transformation into one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, with officials aiming to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2030.
