Cambodia: A record $7.8 billion in investment approved in nine months to 2025

Cambodia confirms its economic attractiveness with significant growth in approved investments in the first nine months of 2025. The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) has approved projects totalling $7.8 billion in fixed asset investments, an impressive 47% increase compared with the same period in 2024, signalling sustained momentum in the national economy.

This increase reflects not only growth in committed capital - up by $2.5 billion compared with 2024 - but also an intensification in the number of projects approved, which jumped by 73% to 564 initiatives compared with 414 projects registered during the whole of the previous year.

These investments are mainly in manufacturing, agro-industry, tourism and infrastructure, key sectors for the kingdom's economic diversification.

A key driver of job creation

Approved investment projects are expected to generate around 376,000 jobs for the local population, strengthening the economic and social fabric. By comparison, the projects approved in 2024, worth a total of $6.9 billion, created more than 320,000 jobs.

Sectoral and geographical breakdown of investment

Most of the funds are allocated to industry, with more than $5.3 billion, followed by infrastructure ($1.9 billion), agriculture and agro-industry ($405 million), then tourism ($175 million). Regionally, Kampong Speu and Svay Rieng stand out as the most attractive provinces, with 125 and 122 projects respectively, while Siem Reap, Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey have not registered any new initiatives.

Origin of funds and international collaborations

China remains the leading foreign investor, followed by Singapore, Vietnam and several tax havens such as the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands. Cambodian investors are also strengthening their presence in the domestic market, with a significant share of capital invested.

Economic outlook and future challenges

The dynamism of investment coincides with encouraging economic projections. Cambodia is forecasting annual GDP growth of around 6.3% in 2025, underpinned by favourable fiscal policies, structuring projects - such as Techo international airport and the extension of the port of Sihanoukville - and an increase in tourism and manufacturing flows.

Nevertheless, the challenges of regional stability, global trade tensions and the need to improve digital and human infrastructure remain priorities to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.

This remarkable progress in the investment framework confirms Cambodia's place as an emerging powerhouse in Southeast Asia, combining attractiveness for foreign capital with accelerated local development.