Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting and underrated investment destinations. With a young population, strategic location, fast-improving infrastructure, and a government focused on economic growth, the country offers excellent opportunities for both local and foreign investors. As global supply chains shift and investors look for new markets beyond China and Vietnam, Cambodia is quickly becoming a key player.
In this updated article, we explore the top 10 sectors that offer strong potential for growth and profitability in Cambodia in 2025. This research-based guide includes the latest trends, trade data, investment incentives, and regional developments. Whether you’re a first-time investor or expanding an existing business, these sectors represent Cambodia’s next wave of development.
1. Agro-Processing and Agri-Business
Agriculture remains a core pillar of Cambodia’s economy, employing about 30% of the population and contributing roughly 20% of GDP. Yet, most agricultural products—cashew nuts, mangoes, rice, cassava—are still exported raw, leaving value on the table.
To tackle this, Cambodia is pushing for agro-industrial development. In 2024, the government approved a dedicated Cashew Industrial Park in Kampong Thom, aiming to process a larger share of the 840,000 tonnes of cashews harvested annually. New tax incentives under the Law on Investment support agribusiness ventures with duty-free machinery imports and long-term tax holidays.
Other promising areas include rice milling, cassava starch production, fruit drying, and seafood processing. Cambodia’s preferential trade deals with China and Korea under RCEP enable duty-free export of many processed goods.
Also read, Azaylla, Agri-Tech Company Secures Pre-Series A Funding from Insitor Impact Asia Fund II
2. Manufacturing and Industrial Zones
Cambodia’s manufacturing sector bounced back after COVID-19, with garments, footwear, and travel goods driving exports. But diversification is now underway. Investors are looking at electronics, automotive components, machinery, and plastics.
Major industrial hubs include Phnom Penh SEZ, Sihanoukville SEZ, and Bavet SEZ near Vietnam. As of 2024, over 30 SEZs offer ready infrastructure, simplified logistics, and 100% foreign ownership.
Notably, Ford, BYD Auto, and several Japanese firms have set up vehicle assembly or electronics units. Cambodia’s low labor cost (~$200/month), stable exchange rate, and ASEAN integration make it ideal for “China+1” expansion strategies.
Also read,
Car Tyre Exports Surge 80% in Early 2025 Amid Manufacturing Expansion
Cambodia’s Rise as a Manufacturing and Investment Hub: A Global Perspective
3. Tourism and Hospitality
International tourist arrivals surged to 5.45 million in 2023, recovering nearly 80% of pre-pandemic numbers. Tourism earnings hit $3.1 billion, and 2024 is seeing even greater momentum.
The new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (opened Oct 2023) can handle 7 million passengers annually, boosting connectivity. Meanwhile, Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh are also upgrading airports.
Investors have opportunities in hotels, eco-resorts, cultural attractions, river cruises, and MICE tourism. Coastal areas like Kampot, Kep, and Koh Rong are emerging destinations. Special incentives are available in tourism zones.
Also read, Tourism in Cambodia Surges 13.6% with Over 2 Million Visitors in First Four Months of 2025
4. Digital Economy and Tech Startups
With mobile internet penetration at 70%+ and rising, Cambodia’s digital economy is booming. The Bakong payment platform has accelerated mobile banking adoption, and QR payments are now common.
Startups are active in e-commerce, fintech, logistics tech, edtech, and digital content. Over 170 tech startups operate in Cambodia as of 2024. Government frameworks like the Digital Economy Policy 2021–2035 provide long-term direction.
Investors can explore co-investment in startups, SaaS platforms for SMEs, or data infrastructure such as cloud services and AI tools. Cambodia is collaborating with India and other nations on digital payments, enabling regional scalability.
Also read, Khmer Enterprise Provides Financial Grants to 32 Cambodian Startups and SMEs
5. Renewable Energy and Green Infrastructure
Cambodia aims to diversify its power mix, which currently includes hydropower, coal, and imported electricity. Renewable energy is the future focus.
In 2024, Erex Co. of Japan began development of a 50 MW biomass plant. Solar energy is expanding quickly, with multiple 20–60 MW solar farms under construction.
The government offers duty-free imports for renewable equipment, and power purchase agreements (PPAs) are available. Industrial estates, remote areas, and commercial rooftops are ideal locations for solar and biomass solutions.
Also read, Guanzun Energy to Build Cambodia’s Largest Oil Refinery in Kampot
6. Education and Skill Development
Over 65% of Cambodians are under 35. There’s strong demand for English schools, international curriculum institutions, and vocational training centers.
Key investment areas include:
- STEM-focused colleges
- Hospitality, logistics, and IT skill centers
- EdTech platforms and language training apps
Private institutions are permitted 100% foreign ownership, and real estate costs are still lower than regional peers. Donor-backed co-financing schemes are also available for training programs.
7. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
Cambodia’s health sector is expanding, with $550 million allocated to healthcare in 2025. Private sector involvement is encouraged in:
- Multi-specialty hospitals
- Clinics for dental, dialysis, or diagnostic services
- Pharmaceutical production and distribution
Generic drug manufacturing under Indian, Chinese, or ASEAN licenses is viable. With health tourism slowly growing and middle-class demand rising, quality healthcare services are in high demand.
Also read, Aurelius Healthcare to Expand Operations in Cambodia with Local Partnership
8. Construction and Real Estate
2023 saw a record $5.4 billion in approved construction projects across 3,207 applications. Growth areas include:
- Affordable housing (boreys)
- Condominiums for urban professionals
- Retail centers, business parks, and logistics hubs
New projects in Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and Battambang reflect rising investor confidence. Foreigners can own condos above the ground floor, making residential projects attractive.
Also read, Japan Funds Construction of Primary Schools in Pursat and Banteay Meanchey Provinces
9. Transport and Logistics
Cambodia’s strategic location makes it ideal for cross-border trade. With the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway, transport times are halved. Upcoming expressways to Bavet and Poipet will link Vietnam and Thailand.
Investors can explore:
- Warehousing and cold storage
- Dry ports and container yards
- Trucking and last-mile delivery
Japan, China, and Korea are funding key logistics upgrades. Cambodia’s customs reforms and digital Single Window will reduce border delays further.
10. Financial Services and Fintech
Cambodia’s financial sector is open, with 100% foreign ownership permitted in banks and MFIs. The country exited the FATF grey list in 2023, boosting global confidence.
Fintech is flourishing thanks to high mobile penetration. Digital lending, remittances, micro-insurance, and QR-based POS systems are scaling fast.
The National Bank’s Bakong platform is enabling integration with India’s UPI and other regional systems. The market is ideal for digital-first banks, e-wallets, and cross-border payment platforms.
Final Thoughts
Cambodia is rising. With strong economic growth, modern infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies, the country is becoming a top-tier choice in Southeast Asia.
The government’s new investment law, commitment to trade integration (RCEP, FTAs), and bold digital and infrastructure goals signal a country ready for the future. Whether in manufacturing, agro-processing, tourism, or fintech, the time to invest in Cambodia is now.
For tailored advice or introductions to sector partners and regulators, reach out to The Better Cambodia. We are committed to supporting meaningful, sustainable, and profitable investments in the Kingdom.
