Cambodia: Prime Minister halts issuance of licenses for domestic beer production, only allows export

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet announced a decision to stop issuing licenses for beer production intended for domestic distribution and permit licensing only for breweries aimed at export, Khmer Times reported.

The premier spoke on Thursday, November 21 at the closing of the Ministry of Mines and Energy’s annual meeting at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.

Premier Hun Manet underscored, “Licenses for local beer production have now been suspended.”

“At present, there are seven breweries operating for domestic distribution. If a business intends to export, I will grant approval, but no additional licenses will be issued for local production. I want to clarify this in case anyone is interested in obtaining such licenses.”

The Prime Minister underlined that the Royal Government of Cambodia is committed to guiding and advising the private sector in alignment with market demands, ensuring that new investments respond to actual needs.

In addition to the decision regarding breweries for domestic consumption, the premier added that for other investment projects with limited market demand, the Royal Government will refrain from granting licenses. Instead, it will prioritise strengthening and expanding the capacity of existing businesses to meet current market needs effectively.