Phnom Penh, July 8, 2025 — The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) has announced a robust surge in investment activity during the first half of 2025, approving a total of 373 projects worth approximately $5.8 billion. This marks a sharp increase of 183 projects and a 77% growth in investment value compared to the same period in 2024.
According to a CDC press release issued on July 7, these projects are expected to generate approximately 255,000 jobs, signaling strong investor confidence in Cambodia’s economic fundamentals and competitive advantages, particularly in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Industrial Sector Dominates New Investments
Out of the $5.8 billion in total investment, the industrial and manufacturing sector attracted the lion’s share—$4.2 billion, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the approved projects. This aligns with Cambodia’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its position as a regional hub for light manufacturing, automotive assembly, and export-oriented industries.
Other sectors saw more modest but significant commitments:
- Agriculture and agro-industry: $130 million
- Tourism: $20 million
- Other sectors (including services and energy): $1.5 billion
Geographic and Sectoral Distribution
Kampong Speu province emerged as the leading destination for new investments, with 92 projects approved. This was followed by:
- Svay Rieng: 85 projects
- Phnom Penh: 40
- Koh Kong: 38
- Takeo: 37
- Preah Sihanouk: 32
- Kandal: 25
Of the total 373 projects, 216 are located outside Special Economic Zones (SEZs), while 157 projects are within them. Projects outside SEZs include a range of high-value and strategic developments such as:
- Hydropower plants
- Solar and wind energy stations
- Cattle farming and meat processing
- Metal processing factories
- Integrated tourism and service resorts
Within SEZs, major expansions are taking place in tyre manufacturing, automotive assembly, and medical equipment production, further cementing SEZs as critical engines of Cambodia’s industrialization.
Also read, Cambodia’s Automotive Rise: A New Chapter in Industrial Transformation
China Leads as Top Investor
Foreign direct investment remains a key pillar of Cambodia’s development. In H1 2025, China topped the list of investing countries, contributing 56.23% of total capital. This was followed by:
- Cambodia: 29.76% (reflecting increased local investor activity)
- Singapore: 7.72%
- Vietnam: 3.01%
Other notable sources of investment included the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Samoa, United Kingdom, United States, and South Korea, indicating a diverse and globally distributed investor base.
Record Month in June
June 2025 alone witnessed the approval of 83 investment projects—36 of which were in SEZs—with a total capital value of $1.6 billion. The top investors for the month were:
- Cambodia: 46.79%
- China: 40.38%
- Vietnam: 8.33%
- Singapore: 2.69%
These June projects are expected to create 52,000 jobs, reflecting the sustained momentum in job creation and industrial diversification.
Momentum from 2024 and Beyond
The positive trend in 2025 builds on strong performance in 2024, when the CDC approved 414 projects—a 54% increase over 2023—with total investment reaching $6.9 billion, up 40% year-on-year. That year laid the foundation for continued growth in 2025, particularly in infrastructure, manufacturing, and green energy.
A Bright Outlook for Cambodian Investment Climate
The data confirms that Cambodia is increasingly seen as a strategic investment destination in Southeast Asia. Its political stability, young workforce, improved infrastructure, and preferential access to regional and global markets continue to attract investors seeking growth and diversification.
The CDC’s proactive role in facilitating approvals and offering investor incentives has been critical in driving this upward trajectory. With a strong pipeline of projects and a focus on industrial transformation, Cambodia is well-positioned to harness the benefits of foreign and domestic investment to power inclusive, sustainable development.
As global companies seek alternatives to traditional manufacturing bases, Cambodia’s emergence as a reliable investment destination is no longer speculative—it is now a measurable reality.
Also read, Wastewater Treatment – The Lifeline of Sustainable Development
