AKP Phnom Penh, January 16, 2026 --

U.S.-based life sciences leader Charles River Laboratories (CRL) has officially inaugurated a major long-term investment phase in Cambodia, committing up to US$500 million toward a biomedical research and breeding facility in Kampong Thom province.

The project, located in the Kampong Svay district, marks a significant expansion of American high-tech investment in the Southeast Asian nation's agricultural and scientific sectors. Permanent Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Vongsey Vissoth presided over the celebratory ceremony on Thursday, joined by representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh.

The US$500 million initiative is expected to transform the local economy of Kampong Thom, a province traditionally reliant on rice and rubber. Royal Government officials highlighted that the facility will provide a wide range of benefits, including high-skilled and technical employment opportunities for local residents; the introduction of advanced international scientific standards and biotechnological expertise; improvements in local biosecurity and animal health frameworks.

"This investment is a milestone in Cambodia-U.S. cooperation," said Deputy PM Vongsey Vissoth. "It sends a clear signal to the international investor community that Cambodia is a pro-business destination that welcomes high-value industries beyond our traditional strengths in garments and tourism."

Addressing the event, the Deputy Prime Minister, who is also serve as the Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, emphasised Cambodia’s "unwavering commitment" to international regulations. 

He noted that the project will strictly adhere to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

"All operations must remain fully transparent and compliant with global standards for animal welfare, ethical science, and environmental protection," H.E. Vongsey Vissoth added. 

He further urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, to maintain rigorous oversight to protect the nation’s regulatory reputation.

The investment follows a 2025 reciprocal trade agreement between the two nations. In a move to ensure operational integrity, Charles River Laboratories has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cambodia’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), underscoring a commitment to transparency and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

As part of its local integration, CRL has established a US$250,000 annual CSR fund dedicated to education, healthcare, and clean water infrastructure within Kampong Thom province.

The Royal Government of Cambodia views this project as a cornerstone of its "pro-business" policy, aimed at sustaining economic resilience amid global geopolitical volatility and regional shifts.

By K. Rithy Reak