MEcon@MR Blog

Commercial Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Kingdom

September 14, 2017 Anirudh Bhati

A meeting at the Cambodian Arbitration Council; Photo credit: International Labor Organization; CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 (not to be confused with the National Commercial Arbitration Center) — A meeting at the Cambodian Arbitration Council; Photo credit: International Labor Organization; CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 (not to be confused with the National Commercial Arbitration Center)

Cambodia's National Commercial Arbitration Center has successfully settled its first two cases. This is an important milestone for the NCAC and for building successful institutions in Cambodia. It also provides a homegrown alternative to Cambodia’s court system.

The Political Economy of Repression: How to Create Comparative Dis-Advantages

August 26, 2017 Anirudh Bhati

Image: National Assembly Building opposite the HCM mausoleum; shankar s., CC BY 2.0 — Image: National Assembly Building opposite the HCM mausoleum; shankar s., CC BY 2.0

When we examine the Beijing Consensus approach, we see deep problems for other states seeking to implement it or a variant thereof, and do not see it as replicable for states other than China in that those other states simply do not have the unique advantages that supported China's early and medium term growth.

FDI in Contemporary Vietnam: Status Quo and Next Steps

August 9, 2017 Anirudh Bhati

Saigon's motorbike craze is one of the heralds of Vietnam's cultural and economic rejuvenation. Traffic congestion is a new phenomenon for Saigon, which has been dubbed "Scooter City" (1994). Image: Saigon on Wheels, 1994 - by Ed Kashi; ma… — Saigon's motorbike craze is one of the heralds of Vietnam's cultural and economic rejuvenation. Traffic congestion is a new phenomenon for Saigon, which has been dubbed "Scooter City" (1994).
Image: Saigon on Wheels, 1994 - by Ed Kashi; mannhai; CC BY 2.0

It should not catch anyone by surprise that Vietnam is becoming a tiger in the Southeast region of Asia. With its growing openness to global markets and willingness to comply with international standards, Vietnam continues to be a strong, key player in the economy of the region.

The Basics of Cambodia’s Export Market: Moving Beyond the Garment Sector

August 5, 2017 Anirudh Bhati

Image: Factory Assessment in Cambodia, International Labour Organisation, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 — Image: Factory Assessment in Cambodia, International Labour Organisation, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

So, what is the breakdown of Cambodian exports? MIT breaks down Cambodia’s exports by specific product, and the results are not surprising to anyone who has driven around the outskirts of Phnom Penh: knit sweaters, knit women’s suits, and non-knit women’s suits. Garments continue to dominate in Cambodia

Regional Integration in ASEAN

July 28, 2017 Anirudh Bhati

Image: ASEAN Dimsum.2005; Anton Diaz; CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Cambodia has pushed for increased openness and regional integration in recent years, particularly within the borders of its ASEAN counterparts. For example: in 2012 Prime Minister Hun Sen called for increased integration by removing trade barriers and liberalizing frameworks so as to transform the region into a global market with free-flowing goods, services, investment, skilled labor and capital.

Cambodia: A Look At Important Trends In Investment, Regional Integration, Exports

July 27, 2017 Anirudh Bhati

Source: National Bank of Cambodia and National Institute of Statistics/Phnom Penh Post

A liberal market economy have played a huge role in bringing Cambodia to where it is today, with foreign direct investment being the foundation. It has enhanced industries, created jobs, and has empowered people.

China in Cambodia This Week: Construction, Education, and Roads

July 23, 2017 Anirudh Bhati

Just a brief round-up of some of the events that caught my eye this week, more on Sino-Cambodian relations soon.

Weekly Roundup: Vietnam 19 July 2017

July 19, 2017 Anirudh Bhati

Our weekly round up for Vietnam 19 July 2017

China in Cambodia: What You May Have Missed This Week

July 14, 2017 Anirudh Bhati

Photo: China Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Beijing, China, Remko Tanis; CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Quite a bit going on in local Sino-Cambodian relations this week, as befits the country's largest donor.

On the British East India Company's trade with Cambodia

July 12, 2017 Anirudh Bhati

Map of Thailand and Cambodia (between 1690-1743)

Battle of Phnom Penh, 1644

View of Longvek, 1749

During the course of my research centered on the historical relationship between Cambodia and India, I came across a remarkable piece of authorship by Dr David Kenneth Basset (1931-1989), who reveals intriguing details of much less scrutinized features of the Company's inner-deliberations and operations pertaining to the East Indies.