Cambodia, China to brew investment ties through 2026 latte art contest

Cambodia is set to host its first-ever Cambodia-China Caffè Latte Art Competition 2026 (CLA), an initiative aimed at sharpening the skills of local baristas while fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

The event, organised by the Cambodia International Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism (MoT ) and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS), is scheduled for March 28–29 at the Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh. By using coffee culture as a diplomatic bridge, organisers hope to foster friendship, promote talent exchange and enhance Cambodia’s appeal to Chinese investors.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Tourism Ministry Secretary of State Ok Darariddh said the event is expected to attract between 700 and 1,000 visitors. The venue will feature 15 specialised booths showcasing Cambodia’s entire coffee supply chain, from raw bean production to premium café services.

Darariddh said the primary aim is to enhance professionalism in tourism. By enhancing the technical skills of Cambodian coffee professionals, the ministry aims to improve the quality of food and beverage services nationwide. He said that this is crucial to fulfilling the refined expectations of both local and international travellers.

Connecting Cambodia’s coffee supply chain—from local cultivation and processing to the final service—will significantly enhance the country’s appeal to Chinese investors, Darariddh said. He added that the initiative reflects a commitment to social responsibility within the tourism sector, further strengthening Cambodia-China cooperation in both tourism and economic areas.

The secretary of state framed the event in the broader context of national development, noting that Cambodia has set a vision to become a high-income country by 2050. The government regards tourism as a priority sector—a form of “green gold” and a “local export” that drives economic growth, supports local communities, creates jobs and attracts vital investment to help reduce poverty.

Despite a challenging global landscape, Darariddh expressed confidence in the sector’s resilience. He noted that, through government efforts, the tourism industry is embracing new opportunities through modernisation, sustainability and increased competitiveness.

Recent data highlights a shifting landscape; according to 2025 statistics, Cambodia welcomed 5.57 million international tourists, a 16.9% decrease from the previous year. However, the domestic market experienced a strong surge, with 25.16 million domestic trips recorded, an 11.7% increase. Notably, total international tourism revenue continued to rise despite the lower arrival numbers, indicating higher per-capita spending.

To maintain this momentum, Darariddh revealed that the MoT intends to request government approval for a “Solidarity Season” campaign. The campaign’s goal is to foster a sense of “Khmer helping Khmer,” encouraging citizens to support the local economy and promote domestic travel.

The agricultural impact of the competition was also highlighted by Pech Sany, deputy director general of the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB). Sany told reporters that the event is a premier platform to showcase the growing potential and quality of Cambodian coffee, which is increasingly gaining traction in international markets. He expressed confidence that the contest would help promote barista skills and raise production standards, making the sector more competitive and widely recognised.

“ARDB has been providing credit to all actors in the agricultural value chain, including farmers, agribusinesses and investors,” Sany said. He explained that by offering credit on favourable terms, the bank enables enterprises to invest in modern cultivation, processing, storage and distribution.

These financial resources are intended to increase productivity and improve the livelihoods of those in rural areas. As the 2026 competition approaches, officials believe the event will do more than just produce beautiful latte art; it will serve as a catalyst for professional standards and a symbol of the enduring partnership between Cambodia and China.