Centre for Development Economics and Trade
The Centre for Development Economics and Trade (CDET) conducts applied and policy researches focusing on Cambodia’s economy, trade and regional cooperation. We monitor Cambodia’s economic management and performance; provide evidence-based economic policy analysis; and engage in local and regional dialogues to inform policymaking. Our research has a strong link to national policies, particularly the Rectangular Strategy (Phase IV) and the National Strategic Development Plan (2019-23). Specifically, we contribute to two pillars of the NSDP: Economic Diversification, Private Sector and Market Development; and Sustainable and Inclusive Development. Our delivery mechanism includes policy and academic research, capacity building, knowledge dissemination and sharing, and policy influence and outreach. Our research agenda falls within five broad development areas: economic development, focusing on sustainability and inclusion; trade and regional cooperation; private sector development, focusing on small and medium enterprises; employment and employability, with a cross-cutting theme on gender and youth; and data for research and development (D4RD). We have extensive experience on regional cooperation and research projects, working with think tanks and research institutes in ASEAN and the Mekong region. The Greater Mekong Subregion Research Network (GMS-Net) is an example of such collaboration.
The Cross-Border Economies of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam
The theme focuses on regional and cross-border trade and trade-facilitation policy, structure and conduct of both formal and informal trade and the impact on household welfare, especially of those living along the border zones.
Off-farm and Non-farm Employment in Southeast Asian Transitional Economies and Thailand
This study examines the status and growth of non-farm and off-farm activities in Southeast Asia and their potential to provide employment in rural areas. Based on countryspecific field studies, each country team looks at the scope and diversity of small and medium-scale off-farm and non-farm activities and their market linkages, and puts forward policy recommendations.