The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) has approved a total of 575 investment projects in the first ten months of 2025, marking a nearly 70% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to a CDC statement released on November 7.
These projects represent a combined investment capital of USD 9.2 billion, up 67% from the USD 5.5 billion recorded during the same period last year. Of the total, 218 projects are located within Special Economic Zones (SEZs), demonstrating continued investor interest in Cambodia’s industrial and export-driven zones.
Strong Provincial Growth in Industrial Projects
The majority of new investments were concentrated in Kampong Speu Province, which accounted for 130 projects, followed by Svay Rieng (129), Phnom Penh (68), Takeo (59), Koh Kong (50), Kandal (47), and Preah Sihanouk (45). Smaller numbers of projects were distributed among other provinces across the country.
The CDC highlighted that within just ten months, Cambodia has already surpassed the total number of projects approved in all of 2024—by 161 projects—reflecting significant investor momentum.
Investment Breakdown by Sector
Of the total USD 9.2 billion,
- USD 5.5 billion was directed to the industrial sector,
- USD 405 million to agriculture and agro-industry,
- USD 175 million to tourism, and
- USD 3.1 billion to infrastructure and other sectors.
Collectively, the 575 projects are expected to create around 400,000 jobs, providing a strong boost to Cambodia’s labour market and production capacity.
China Remains Leading Investor
The primary sources of investment included:
- China – 52.38%
- Cambodia – 32.89%
- Singapore – 5.97%
- Vietnam – 4.42%,
with additional participation from the UK, US, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and Samoa, among others.
In October 2025 alone, the CDC approved 29 new projects valued at USD 1.4 billion, expected to generate approximately 25,000 jobs.
Economists Cite Investor Confidence
Economist Hong Vanak of the Royal Academy of Cambodia noted that despite global economic challenges, the country continues to attract foreign and domestic investors due to its favourable investment laws, young workforce, expanding infrastructure, and access to multiple export markets.
He added that the steady increase in project approvals demonstrates strong investor confidence in Cambodia’s economic policies and trade openness.
Proactive Investment Promotion Abroad
To sustain momentum, Cambodian officials and business leaders have actively engaged in international investment promotion missions. Since late October, Sun Chanthol, First Vice-President of the CDC, has led delegations to Canada and the US to meet senior officials and major investors to highlight Cambodia’s business environment and emerging opportunities.
In 2024, the CDC approved 414 investment projects worth about USD 6.9 billion, up from 268 projects valued at USD 4.92 billion in 2023. The 2025 figures indicate that Cambodia is on track for another record-setting year in attracting foreign direct investment.
Also read, Cambodia Showcases Trade and Digital Innovation at 8th China International Import Expo 2025
