The Cambodian Economic Association (CEA) officially launched May 5 at Pannasastra

University in Phnom Penh, bringing together various groups to research and discuss

the state of the Kingdom's economy.

The launch was followed by a panel discussion on, "Prospects of the Cambodian

Economy in 2005-2008" involving several of the 16 founding members.

The participants compared economic outlooks for Cambodia this year, predicting GDP

growth from 2.3 percent (Asian Development Bank, International Monetary Fund) to

3.2 percent (Economic Institute of Cambodia).

Chea Huot, an economist for the World Bank and a founding member of CEA, noted that

no other country is as dependent on garment exports as Cambodia, creating a fragile

trade environment.

The CEA worked closely with the garment and agro-business industries, said Sok Hach,

president of CEA.

The CEA was conceived in 2002 and became a member of Federation of ASEAN Economic

Associations in 2003 but have not held any events until now.