Cambodia attracts US$7.8 billion of investment in first three quarters, with more than half coming from China

The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) issued a notice on October 2, revealing impressive data on new investment projects attracted to the Kingdom in the first nine months of this year. The figures highlight a robust period of growth, setting a positive trajectory for Cambodia's economy.

Statistics show that the CDC approved a remarkable 546 new investment projects during the first nine months of the year. This represents a significant increase of 73% compared to the same period last year. The total investment commitment for these newly approved ventures reached an impressive US$7.8 billion, and these projects are collectively expected to create approximately 376,000 new jobs for Cambodian society. Of the total approved projects, 214 are strategically located within Special Economic Zones (SEZs), indicating the continued appeal of these designated areas for foreign capital. The remaining 332 projects are situated outside SEZs, demonstrating a wider spread of economic development across the country.

A breakdown of the investment sources confirms China's undisputed and dominant role as Cambodia's largest foreign investor. Chinese investments accounted for a commanding 52.96% of total capital. Following China, Cambodian investment played a substantial part, accounting for 30.15%. Other significant international contributors included Singapore (6.93%) and Vietnam (5.24%). The top ten sources of investment were rounded out by the British Virgin Islands (2.01%), the United Kingdom (0.63%), the Cayman Islands (0.51%), Samoa (0.33%), Bermuda (0.33%), and the United States (0.29%).

The new investment projects are geographically diverse, signifying that the economic upswing is not concentrated solely in the capital. The regions attracting the highest number of projects highlight key areas of economic vitality:

• Kampong Speu (125 investment projects)
• Svay Rieng (122 investment projects)
• Phnom Penh (65 investment projects)
• Takeo (59 investment projects)
• Koh Kong (46 investment projects)
• Sihanouk ville (43 investment projects)
• Kandal (41 investment projects)
• Kampong Chhnang (16 investment projects)

The data released by the CDC underscores Cambodia's growing attractiveness as an investment destination, driven by a surge in approved projects and the sustained, critical role of Chinese capital.