AKP Phnom Penh, July 07, 2025 --

Cambodia approved a total of 373 investment projects in the first half of 2025, representing a 96 percent increase compared to 190 projects during the same period last year, according to a report released today by the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC).

The approved projects have a combined fixed-asset value of US$5.8 billion, marking an 81 percent increase from the US$3.2 billion recorded in the first half of 2024. These investments are expected to create approximately 255,000 jobs for Cambodian workers.

The projects span key sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and agro-industry, the report stated.

China remains the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Cambodia, accounting for 56.23 percent of the total, followed by investors from Cambodia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the CDC, credited the sharp rise in investment to peace, political and macroeconomic stability, improved legal frameworks, and the steady growth of Cambodia’s economy.

“Investors can now submit their investment applications online without having to physically travel to Cambodia,” he added. “This reduces face-to-face interaction between the private and public sectors and helps minimise the risk of corruption.”

He also emphasised the Royal Government’s commitment to proactively addressing the challenges faced by both domestic and foreign investors.

Of the approved projects, 216 are located outside of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), while 157 are within SEZs.

Kampong Speu province led with the highest number of approved projects at 92, followed by Svay Rieng (85), Phnom Penh (40), Koh Kong (38), Takeo (37), and Preah Sihanouk (32).

In 2024, Cambodia attracted 414 fixed-asset investment projects with a total value of US$6.9 billion, up 40 percent from US$4.92 billion in 2023.

By Chea Vannak