Cambodia's economy will grow by 7.2 percent this year, and pick up to 7.5 percent next year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reportedly said.

"Economic activity remains strong driven by robust exports, tourism and construction despite recent floods and some slowdown during the election in July last year," Xinhua news agency quoted a statement by the IMF as saying. "Inflation is expected to remain low this year due to stable food and fuel prices," it said.

The IMF hailed Cambodia for making good progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals and reducing poverty substantially.

It said continued improvements in human capital, including through education and training, infrastructure, and business climate are needed to promote inclusive and sustainable growth and further reduce poverty and income inequality.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said last month that the country's economy is projected to see an annual growth of around 7 percent over the medium term.

He said the Southeast Asian nation attracted 4.9 billion USD investments in various projects last year, a growth of 69 percent year-on-year.-VNA