Cambodia

Source: https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-cambodia/

U.S.-CAMBODIA RELATIONS

Over the last several decades of the 20th century, the United States and Cambodia established, broke off, and reestablished relations as a result of armed conflict and government changes in Cambodia. Full diplomatic relations were established after the freely elected Royal Government of Cambodia was formed in 1993. The United States continues to support democratic institutions and promote respect for human rights in Cambodia. The two countries also are working to increase free and fair trade, and to address challenges from promoting regional security to expanding global health and development. The United States also supports efforts in Cambodia to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, improve nutrition for children, eliminate human trafficking and corruption, address environmental degradation, better manage natural resources, foster economic development, and achieve the fullest possible accounting for Americans missing from the Indochina conflict in the 1960s and 1970s.

U.S. Assistance to Cambodia

Cambodia is at peace after decades of conflict, although important challenges remain. Cambodia relies heavily on foreign assistance—between 30 and 40 percent of the central government’s budget depends on donor aid. U.S. assistance has made significant contributions to the country’s development. In 2014, U.S. foreign assistance for programs in health, education, governance, economic growth, and demining of unexploded ordnance totaled over $77.6 million.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Cambodia’s economy still suffers from decades of war and internal strife. The economy is heavily dollarized; the dollar and riel can be used interchangeably. The U.S. normalized economic relations with the country in 1992, and is now the largest single country purchaser of Cambodia’s exports. Manufacturing output is concentrated in the garment sector, which dominates Cambodia’s exports, especially to the U.S. and the European Union.

Cambodia’s Membership in International Organizations

Cambodia became a member of the United Nations in 1955 following independence from France in 1953. Cambodia and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the UN, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.