A view of some of the many factories located inside the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ). SSEZ
The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) approved 59 investment projects – with a value of more than $800 million – in May this year, bringing the total number of approved investment projects in the first five months of 2025 to nearly 300.
According to a June 10 CDC press release, the projects approved in May have a combined investment capital of $816 million and are expected to generate 44,000 jobs. Of them, 38 are located outside special economic zones (SEZs) and 21 within. Compared to May 2024, the number of approved projects in May 2025 increased by 34, and the total investment capital rose by around $570 million, more than double.
Among the most notable of the May projects were a 150 MW wind power plant project in Mondulkiri province, with an investment of $207 million, the expansion of a tyre production factory in Svay Rieng, with an additional investment of $244 million, and an industrial chemical manufacturing plant in Svay Rieng, worth $20 million.
Chinese investment accounted for 84.8% of the total capital, with other investment coming from Cambodia, Singapore, Samoa and South Korea. The 59 projects are spread across Svay Rieng (19), Kampong Speu (15), Takeo (8), Kandal (7) and Phnom Penh (6), as well as Preah Sihanouk, Mondulkiri, Kampong Chhnang and Koh Kong.
In total, from January to May 2025, 290 investment projects were approved — 137 more than in the same period of 2024 — representing an increase of about 90%. The total investment capital reached $4.2 billion, up $1.4 billion, or 52%, compared to the same period in 2024, according to the CDC.
Lor Vichet, vice-president of the Cambodia-China Commerce Association (CCCA), told The Post on June 10 that despite global economic uncertainties and ongoing tariff negotiations between Cambodia and the US, the Kingdom still has significant potential to attract both domestic and foreign investors.
He added that the number of investment projects is expected to continue increasing, thanks to Cambodia’s investment law, skilled young labour force and preferential market access.
“The government’s efforts to build a legal system, human resources and infrastructure, along with private sector participation, will help create an increasingly attractive investment climate. The recent investment projects are also becoming more diverse, which strengthens the foundation of Cambodia’s economy,” he noted.
Sun Chanthol, first vice-chairman of the CDC, reiterated this message when he accompanied Prime Minister Hun Manet on an official visit to Japan. In a May 29 meeting with Japanese business leaders, he emphasised Cambodia’s strategic location in the heart of ASEAN, dynamic development and competitive investment incentives. He also highlighted Cambodia’s warm and supportive investor services.
In 2024, the CDC approved a record 414 investment projects, including 387 new projects and 27 expansions, with a total capital of $6.9 billion, generating nearly 320,000 jobs. Of these, 264 projects were outside SEZs, and 150 were inside SEZs.
Last year saw an increase of 146 projects and nearly $2 billion more in investment capital, equivalent to an increase of almost 40% compared to 2023.
