The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) reported that the country attracted fixed-asset investment of $4.92 billion in 2023, marking a 22% increase from $4.03 billion in the previous year. Recent CDC figures indicate that Cambodia granted approval for 268 international investment projects in 2023, expected to generate up to 307,000 job opportunities. The projects were predominantly focused on industries, infrastructure, agriculture, agro-industry, and tourism, reflecting the kingdom’s priorities for economic growth and sustainable development.
The CDC has identified China, Singapore, and Malaysia as the leading foreign investors in Cambodia, with China contributing to around 66 percent of the total investment. The Cambodian government anticipates that several factors such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement, and the new investment law will bolster the prospects for FDI inflows into the country.
Penn Sovicheat, the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce’s Secretary of State and spokesperson, attributes the growing investor interest in Cambodia to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a critical strategy that primarily targets investors from China. He emphasizes that new investments bring considerable capital, advanced technologies, and exciting job opportunities for Cambodians.
For several years, Cambodia has experienced continuous growth in FDI, driven mainly by the country’s strategic location, low labor costs, a favorable business environment, a rapidly developing infrastructure, and an array of preferential policies the government has enacted. These factors are becoming increasingly attractive to foreign investors, particularly amid the changing global economic landscape.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to destabilize economies worldwide, Cambodia has proven to be a reliable and resilient investment location, resiliently recording rising FDI inflows. With the increasing need to develop and diversify the country’s investment portfolio, the Cambodian government has initiated a series of measures focused on promoting investment, easing regulatory hurdles, and enhancing the ease of doing business in the country.
Overall, with its strategic location, comparative advantages, and business-friendly environment, Cambodia’s growing FDI inflows provide a promising sign for the country’s future economic growth and employment prospects. These inflows provide a catalyst for the country to create new opportunities, drive innovation, and elevate the standard of living for its people.
Source: Khmer Times
