A Japanese business delegation representing around 40 companies has expressed appreciation for the Cambodian government’s continuous efforts to build investor confidence globally.
In the first two months of 2025 alone, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) has approved approximately 110 investment projects, underscoring the nation’s growing appeal to foreign investors.
On March 5, CDC First Vice-President Sun Chanthol met with the Japanese delegation, led by Wakabayashi Kohei, head of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Phnom Penh office, at the CDC headquarters. During the meeting, Chanthol outlined Cambodia’s strategic policies aimed at attracting investment and driving economic transformation in line with Cambodia’s Vision 2050.
He emphasized the CDC’s mission as the primary government authority overseeing private investments and special economic zones. Cambodia’s political stability, favorable macroeconomic conditions, young and trainable workforce, and strong government support for private sector growth through public-private partnerships make the country an attractive destination for investors.
Chanthol also highlighted Cambodia’s investor-friendly policies, well-developed transportation infrastructure, and strategic geographic positioning, which enhance its role as a hub for regional economic integration. He further noted the significance of the Funan Techo Canal, a major infrastructure project expected to revolutionize Cambodia’s maritime shipping and logistics sector.
The discussion also covered key priority investment sectors, including industrial manufacturing, infrastructure development, agriculture and agro-industry, green energy, education and training, special economic zones, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and various service industries.
The Japanese delegation commended the Cambodian government for its proactive approach in facilitating and supporting foreign investors.
As part of their visit, the delegation participated in a business matching event on March 4, engaging with Cambodian investors to explore potential partnerships. The event was attended by senior officials including Vongsey Vissoth, Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, Japanese Ambassador Ueno Atsushi, Cambodia-Japan Business Cooperation Committee (CJBC) Chairman Mai Kalyan, and Japan Business Association in Cambodia (JBAC) Chairman Fukuhara Koji.
Vissoth underscored the importance of business matching in strengthening trade ties between Cambodia and Japan, emphasizing Japan’s critical role as a trading partner. He also acknowledged Japan’s long-standing support for Cambodia’s socio-economic development through Official Development Assistance (ODA), which has contributed significantly to infrastructure, education, law and justice, governance, and public health.
According to CDC data, a total of 414 investment projects were approved in 2024, marking the highest number in three decades. The momentum has continued into 2025, with over 110 projects approved in just the first two months. The CDC highlighted these figures as evidence of Cambodia’s effective investment policies and the government’s strong commitment to fostering private sector growth as a key driver of the national economy.
Additionally, a Ministry of Commerce report revealed that from January to November 2024, 88 Japanese companies registered in Cambodia—an increase of 20.55% compared to the same period in 2023—further reflecting the strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
