A total of 172 new and expanded investment projects, with a total investment capital of $2.5 billion – and the promised creation of nearly 120,000 jobs
A total of 172 new and expanded investment projects, with a total investment capital of $2.5 billion – and the promised creation of nearly 120,000 jobs – were approved by the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) in the first quarter of 2025.
More than half of the investment capital came from Chinese investors.
According to an April 8 press release from the CDC, the CDC registered 172 investment projects from January to March, an increase of 66 projects over the same period in 2024. Total investment capital saw a 14% increase.
According to the release, 166 are new investment projects, and 6 are production expansion projects. 73 of the approved projects are set to take place in special economic zones (SEZs).
China contributed 56.23% of the capital, followed by domestic investors at 34.4%, and Singapore at 2.91%. Other investors came from the British Virgin Islands, Vietnam, the Cayman Islands, the UK, Samoa, the US and Canada.
Some of the notable projects approved include three solar power plant projects in Kampong Chhnang and Pursat provinces, each with a total capacity of 350 megawatts and a total investment capital of $249 million.
Other projects include factories that will produce garments, furniture, medical equipment production, vehicle tyres and ceramics, as well as vehicle assembly plants and aluminium processing factories.
In March alone, the CDC registered 60 investment projects with a total investment of approximately $1.4 billion US dollars, which could create nearly 50,000 jobs.
Hong Vanak, an economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told The Post on April 9 that political stability, favourable investment laws, improved infrastructure, and a skilled labour force have helped Cambodia attract more investors, particularly in the past year.
Additionally, he explained that Cambodia has access to multiple export markets with special trade agreements with countries like China and South Korea, through the RCEP trade agreement.
He also noted that the growth in energy production projects is a clear indication of investors' confidence in Cambodia's development.
“If the current global trade disputes are resolved soon, Cambodia will definitely be able to attract even more direct investment,” he said.
Vanak had no comment on the origin of some of the investments, such as the British Virgin or Cayman islands.
In 2024, the CDC approved 414 new and expansion projects both within and outside SEZs, with a total investment capital of approximately $6.9 billion, creating around 320,000 jobs.
