The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) is currently reviewing 12 new investment projects, with a total capital of $135 million, that have the potential to generate approximately 7,000 jobs.
A meeting to evaluate these projects and assess their eligibility for official registration took place at the CDC headquarters on February 4. The session was chaired by Chea Vuthy, secretary-general of the CDC’s Cambodia Investment Board, and attended by representatives from several government institutions.
According to the CDC, 11 out of the 12 proposed projects are in the industrial sector. These include factories for manufacturing medical devices, assembling household electrical appliances, metal processing, producing steel construction materials, manufacturing various tools, garment stitching, and textile dyeing. Additionally, one project involves the development of a 30-megawatt solar-powered electricity plant.
These investment projects are planned to be located across multiple provinces, including Kampong Speu, Takeo, Kandal, Kampot, and Kampong Chhnang.
Cambodia’s Investment Appeal Remains Strong
Despite global economic uncertainties since the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambodia continues to attract both small and large-scale investment projects. Lim Heng, vice-president of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), credits this resilience to the government’s proactive legal reforms, a growing skilled labor force, and the expansion of export markets through free trade agreements.
Heng highlighted Cambodia’s attractiveness as an investment destination across various industries. He noted that upcoming infrastructure developments, such as new international airports and the Funan Techo canal, will serve as key drivers in increasing foreign direct investment (FDI).
“As a country with a strategic geographical location, a comprehensive transport network—including land, water, and air—and multiple trade agreements with international partners, Cambodia will continue to create opportunities to attract investors and businesses,” Heng stated.
The CCC has also actively participated in numerous national and international events to showcase Cambodia’s investment potential. Furthermore, the chamber has established representative offices in several countries to act as information centers and facilitators for foreign investors interested in entering the Cambodian market.
Significant Growth in Investment Approvals in 2024
In 2024, the CDC approved 414 investment projects, totaling $6.9 billion in capital investment. These projects have the potential to create nearly 320,000 jobs. Compared to 2023, this reflects an increase of 146 approved projects, with total investment rising by almost $2 billion, marking a growth of nearly 40%.
Among the major projects approved in 2024 are expansions in gold mining, a car tire manufacturing plant, a beverage production facility, an aluminum processing plant, a machine assembly and mechanics factory, and a dairy, beverage, and food processing plant.
Foreign Investment to Continue Rising
Lor Vichet, vice-president of the Cambodia Chinese Commerce Association (CCCA), expressed optimism about the continued growth of foreign direct investment in Cambodia. He emphasized that FDI not only contributes to job creation and government tax revenue but also enhances the global reputation of Cambodian products.
“The number of companies investing in Cambodia in 2025 will be even higher than in 2024,” Vichet predicted.
Additionally, he pointed out that ongoing trade tensions between major global economies, particularly the United States and China, have led to the relocation of several factories from China to Cambodia. Cambodia’s stable international relations and favorable business environment make it an attractive destination for manufacturing and industrial investments.
As the country continues to develop its infrastructure and enhance its investment climate, it remains well-positioned to attract new businesses and strengthen its economy through increased foreign and domestic investment.
Source: The Phnom Penh Post
