Cambodia has taken a firm stance against the burgeoning e-cigarette industry. Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on May 5th that the government has rejected a foreign investment proposal to establish an e-cigarette production factory within the country. The decision underscores a comprehensive ban that prohibits any form of investment in e-cigarette manufacturing, even if the products are intended solely for export markets.

This decisive move was highlighted during the launch ceremony for the “National Cancer Control Plan 2025-2030.” The Prime Minister’s announcement sends a clear message about the nation’s public health priorities and its view on the role of vaping products in its economic future.

A Firm “No” to E-Cigarette Manufacturing

Prime Minister Hun Manet detailed that a foreign official had recently approached the Minister of Commerce, Cham Nimul, with a proposal to build an e-cigarette factory in Cambodia. The Cambodian government promptly denied this investment application.

“We have many other investment options,” Hun Manet stated, emphasizing that the country’s economy would not be negatively impacted by prohibiting e-cigarette production. “We welcome all legal and compliant investments, but e-cigarettes are not among them.”

This statement signals a clear policy direction, distinguishing between desirable foreign investments that align with national development goals and those perceived as detrimental to public health. By forgoing potential economic gains from e-cigarette manufacturing, the government is prioritizing the long-term well-being of its citizens. This policy reinforces a ban that has been in place since 2014, which already prohibits the import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes, shisha, and heated tobacco products (HTPs).

Rising Concerns Over Youth Vaping

A significant driver behind this resolute policy is the growing concern over the rising popularity of e-cigarettes among young people, particularly students. The Prime Minister expressed his apprehension about this trend, framing it as a dangerous distraction from academic and personal growth.

“E-cigarettes are not a tool to look cool,” he cautioned. “Students should compete on grades and college entrance exam scores, not on who is using e-cigarettes.”

This perspective reframes vaping not just as a health issue, but as a societal problem that diverts the nation’s youth from productive pursuits. The Prime Minister has directed relevant authorities to intensify regulatory efforts, strictly control the circulation and use of e-cigarettes, and urge young people to avoid these products in favor of focusing on their studies and leading healthy lifestyles.

The government’s action reflects a global conversation about the impact of vaping on minors. While often marketed as a less harmful alternative for adult smokers, the appeal of flavored e-cigarettes to non-smoking youths has raised alarms for health officials worldwide. Cambodia’s definitive stance places it among the countries taking the most stringent measures to prevent a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine.

The Bigger Picture

Cambodia’s decision is not just about a single factory; it’s a declaration of its public health values. By rejecting the investment, the government reinforces its commitment to preventing the potential health crises associated with widespread nicotine addiction. The move aligns with the goals of the new national cancer control plan, demonstrating a proactive approach to public health rather than a reactive one.

For the international vape industry, this serves as a clear indicator that Cambodia is not an open market or a potential manufacturing hub. For public health advocates, it’s a welcome example of a government placing citizen welfare above potential, but problematic, economic opportunities.