1. Size of Economy

GDP amount has been steadily grown with 43,057 billion Riels in 2009 and 47,048 billion Riels in 2010 and is projected to be 52,141 billion Riel in 2011 (approximately USD 12.9 billion) and 57, 363 billion Riel in 2012 (approximately USD 14.2 billion).

Per capita GDP has also steadily increased since 1998 when the Riel greatly depreciated against the dollar. Per capita GDP in 2010 reached USD 830, an increase of approximately 70% from 487 US dollars in 2005. It is projected to reach USD 904 in 2011 and USD 984 in 2012 respectively, according to the MEF’s forecast. (Figure II-1-2)

2. Industrial Structure

As the primary industry occupies 32% of the total economy, the agriculture is the main industry of Cambodia. Major agricultural products are rice, rubber, maize, cassava, etc. The secondary industry and tertiary industry respectively account for 22% and 38% of the total economy. The major industry of the manufacturing sector is apparel products, which are directed to exports. Among the tertiary industry, the tourism-related industries are important to the Cambodian economy.

3. Trade

The trade balance of Cambodia keeps a continuous deficit. Both exports and imports have been expanding as a result of economic growth. In 2011, the export value was US$5.4 billion and the import value was US$7.0 billion.

The major destination countries of exports are USA, Hong Kong, China, EU, Canada, and Vietnam. The major importing countries are Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The primary export product is apparel, which account for more than 80% of total exports. The major import products are textiles, petroleum product, and vehicles. Cambodia significantly depends on imports for industrial input products and daily commodities.

4. Currency

Although the official national currency is the Riel, US dollars are commonly used in business and commercial transactions.