Phnom Penh, Cambodia — The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) has approved 43 investment projects in January 2026, with a combined capital of approximately USD 752 million, a CDC press release confirmed on 10 February 2026. The approved projects are expected to create around 26,000 jobs, supporting Cambodia’s economic growth and employment landscape.
Of the 43 projects, 35 are outside Special Economic Zones (SEZs), while eight are within SEZs, reflecting a diversified investment distribution across multiple sectors and regions. Although the number of project registrations in January 2026 represented a 37 % decrease compared with January 2025, total approved investment capital rose marginally by USD 3.4 million — a 0.45 % increase year-on-year.
Among the major new investments are the establishment of three new special economic zones with a combined investment of about USD 260 million, and the launch of a 150-megawatt wind power plant project with an estimated investment of USD 200 million. These large-scale initiatives highlight Cambodia’s expanding role in renewable energy and industrial infrastructure development.
CDC officials noted that the continued approval of significant projects — both within and outside SEZs — demonstrates sustained investor interest across Cambodia, even as the overall number of new registrations fluctuates. The focus on energy, industrial parks, and other growth-oriented sectors aligns with the government’s long-term economic diversification and employment goals.
Investments outside SEZs point to widening opportunities in areas such as manufacturing, services, and infrastructure, while SEZ-based projects are expected to boost export competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment. The wind power initiative, in particular, is part of Cambodia’s efforts to strengthen its renewable energy capacity and support national energy security while contributing to emissions reductions.
The CDC’s January approvals mark an important start to 2026 for the Cambodian investment landscape, with government and industry leaders emphasizing jobs creation, regional development, and sustainable economic growth as key priorities.
