In the first six months of 2024, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) approved 190 investment projects to expand production and establish special economic zones (SEZs), an increase of 77 compared to the same period in 2023, according to a July 5 CDC report. 

The report noted that the ventures have a total investment capital of about $3.2 billion, an increase of more than $2.1 billion compared to the same period in 2023 ($1.1 billion).

The projects will create more than 168,000 jobs, an increase of more than 46,000 compared to the same six-month period in 2023.

The report stated that in the first six months of the year, the industrial sector was the largest in investment capital at more than $1.8 billion (56%), followed by infrastructure and other sectors at $753 million (23%). Tourism was at $588 million (18%), while agriculture and agro-industry were at $72 million (2%).

It noted that out of the 13 capital-provinces that received investment, Kampong Speu secured the most projects with 43, followed by Svay Rieng with 40, while Tbong Khmum and Preah Vihear have the least with one each.