According to TRC, there are six telecommunications firms in the country: Cellcard, Smart Axiata, Metfone, Seatel, Cootel, and qb. Three companies, Metfone, Cellcard, and Smart, account for 90% of users. TRC noted that, as of February 2019, Facebook had seven million users in Cambodia.

Chrey Thom, once an overlooked border town along the Mekong River, is rapidly emerging as one of Cambodia’s most dynamic economic frontiers. With strategic government planning, foreign investment, and growing connectivity with Vietnam, this southern gateway is being reshaped into a bustling center for trade, industry, and logistics. Here are five key reasons why Chrey Thom is set to become Cambodia’s next economic hub.

1. Strategic Location and Cross-Border Connectivity

Chrey Thom’s geographical position gives it a natural advantage. Located less than 70 kilometers from Phnom Penh and directly connected to Vietnam’s Long Binh ward via the Chrey Thom–Long Binh Friendship Bridge, the town serves as a crucial link between Cambodia’s heartland and Vietnam’s industrial south, including Đồng Nai and Ho Chi Minh City. Since the bridge’s inauguration in 2017, cross-border trade has grown significantly, transforming Chrey Thom into an emerging trade corridor that complements existing hubs like Bavet.

This proximity to both the capital and Vietnam allows Chrey Thom to efficiently channel goods, raw materials, and investments across borders—making it a logistical powerhouse in the making.

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2. Rapid Infrastructure and Industrial Development

The town’s transformation is visible everywhere from upgraded roads and bridges to new warehouses, hotels, and industrial facilities. The Royal Government has prioritized infrastructure investment to support trade expansion, with ongoing projects including riverbank fortifications, power grid upgrades, and road widening.

Such developments are setting the stage for large-scale industrialization, with Chrey Thom projected to become a satellite manufacturing zone supporting Cambodia’s export industries. The potential establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) here could further enhance trade efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and attract more investors seeking to diversify away from the country’s western border zones.

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3. Rising Foreign Investment and Investor-Friendly Policies

Foreign investors particularly from China are increasingly turning their attention to Chrey Thom. Drawn by its strategic position, low land costs, and access to both the Cambodian and Vietnamese markets, these investors are funding logistics centers, retail outlets, and hospitality projects.

Cambodia’s new Investment Law has also strengthened the country’s appeal by allowing 100% foreign ownership and free capital movement, enabling investors to repatriate profits without restrictions. This liberal economic policy stands in contrast to Vietnam’s more regulated investment environment, giving Cambodia an edge as a regional investment destination.

4. Stable Bilateral Relations and Expanding Trade with Vietnam

While Cambodia’s western border with Thailand has occasionally faced trade and political disruptions, the eastern frontier with Vietnam remains notably stable. This consistent relationship has made Vietnam a trusted trade partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $10 billion in 2024.

Chrey Thom is now playing an increasing role in this trade flow, serving as a new export route for Cambodian agricultural goods while importing essential commodities from Vietnam. As infrastructure continues to improve, this route is expected to handle greater trade volumes, bolstering economic resilience and regional integration.

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5. Emerging Tourism and Service Potential

Beyond trade and industry, Chrey Thom is becoming an appealing destination for cross-border tourism. The Friendship Bridge allows for easy entry and exit between Cambodia and Vietnam, attracting visitors seeking cultural experiences, shopping, and local cuisine. Plans to upgrade the checkpoint to full international status could open the door to more visitors, supporting local small businesses and hospitality services.

The town’s riverside charm, proximity to Phnom Penh, and improved accessibility make it a perfect location for leisure, business, and logistics all of which support a more diverse and sustainable economy.

A Gateway to Cambodia’s Economic Future

Chrey Thom’s rise reflects Cambodia’s strategic pivot toward Vietnam, a move rooted in connectivity, stability, and opportunity. With infrastructure projects accelerating, foreign capital flowing in, and trade steadily expanding, this once-quiet border town is poised to become the Kingdom’s next major economic hub.

For investors, policymakers, and businesses alike, Chrey Thom represents not just a town on the map—but a vision of Cambodia’s future growth and regional integration.

Cambodia Records Strong Surge in Approved Investment Value

Cambodia recorded a major investment milestone in 2025 after approving fixed asset investment projects worth a total of 10 billion dollars, reflecting a year on year increase of 45 percent, according to a press release issued by the Council for the Development of Cambodia. The sharp rise highlights growing investor confidence in the country’s economic fundamentals, policy stability, and long term development outlook, positioning Cambodia as an increasingly competitive destination for regional and global capital.

Rising Number of Projects and Expanding Job Creation

The CDC reported that 630 investment projects received official approval during the year, marking a 52 percent increase compared to the 414 projects licensed in the previous year. These projects are expected to generate approximately 438,000 jobs, underlining the direct contribution of investment inflows to employment creation and household income growth while supporting Cambodia’s broader socio economic development objectives.

Key Sectors Driving Investment Growth

Approved projects were largely concentrated in priority sectors that align with national development strategies, including garment and non garment manufacturing, infrastructure development, agriculture and agro industry, and tourism. This diversified investment profile reflects Cambodia’s efforts to reduce reliance on a single sector while strengthening value chains, improving productivity, and expanding export oriented industries across multiple areas of the economy.

China Leads Foreign Investment Inflows

China continued to dominate as Cambodia’s largest foreign investor, accounting for more than half of the total approved investment value. The CDC also noted strong participation from other international investors, including Singapore, Vietnam, the British Virgin Islands, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Cayman Islands, Samoa, and Bermuda, demonstrating Cambodia’s broadening appeal across different markets and investment origins.

Trade Agreements Boost Investor Confidence

Cambodian Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Penn Sovicheat highlighted the importance of regional and bilateral trade frameworks in attracting foreign direct investment, pointing to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership as well as Cambodia’s free trade agreements with China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. “New FDI will bring about new capital, technologies and job opportunities for our people,” he told Xinhua, emphasizing how these agreements strengthen market access and reinforce Cambodia’s attractiveness as a manufacturing and investment hub.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s approval of 630 investment projects worth 10 billion dollars in 2025 reflects a decisive step forward in its economic development journey, marked by rising investor confidence, diversified sector growth, and expanding employment opportunities. With strong backing from regional trade agreements and continued interest from both traditional and emerging investors, the country is well positioned to sustain investment momentum and accelerate inclusive and long term economic growth.

Source: AKP