JBL Mekong is pleased to announce that Ryo Kawahara has joined the firm as our first certified public accountant. Having worked in accounting and taxation in Cambodia for many years, Mr. Kawahara has served as Chair of the Taxation Committee of the Japanese Business Association of Cambodia (JBAC) and has engaged closely with the country’s tax administration. By uniting his accounting and tax expertise with our legal practice, we look forward to offering clients more comprehensive, cross-disciplinary support. His message follows below.

“My name is Ryo Kawahara, and I am delighted to join JBL Mekong Law Firm as a member of its team. Since October 2022 I have been based in Cambodia at an accounting firm, handling accounting and tax matters.

By integrating the practical experience and specialized knowledge in accounting and taxation that I have built here in Cambodia with the firm’s legal services, I hope to offer our clients broader and more practical solutions. Rather than confining my work to legal advice alone, I aim to contribute to the growth of your business through comprehensive support that brings accounting and tax perspectives into the picture as well.

Since April 2024 I have served as Chair of the Taxation Committee of the Japanese Business Association of Cambodia (JBAC), where I have led discussions with the General Department of Taxation (GDT) on the tax issues faced by Japanese companies. From April 2026 I have also taken on the role of Director for the Promotion of Public–Private Partnership, keeping in close communication with the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC). I intend to actively bring the insights gained through these activities back into the work of our firm.

I am firmly convinced that Cambodia’s investment environment holds great potential for further growth in the years ahead. However modest my own contribution may be, I am committed to making the fullest use of both the accounting and tax expertise I have cultivated and the new platform that a law firm provides, so that I may play some part in that development with wholehearted dedication.

I am well aware that I still have much to learn, and I would be most grateful for your continued guidance and support.”

Ryo Kawahara, CPA (Japan)