In 2025, Cambodia reached a significant milestone in its investment landscape as the Council for the Development of Cambodia approved more than 600 investment projects, with total registered capital exceeding 10 billion dollars. This figure represents a sharp increase compared to 2024, when 414 projects were approved, underscoring a year of accelerated economic momentum. The steady rise in approvals highlights growing investor confidence and positions Cambodia as one of the region’s increasingly attractive investment destinations.
Positive Investment Climate and Expanding Export Markets
According to Sun Chanthol, first vice chairman of the CDC, the surge in approved projects reflects Cambodia’s positive investment climate and the continued expansion of its export markets. Speaking at a December 24 workshop, he emphasized that coordinated efforts by the CDC and relevant institutions played a central role in attracting substantial direct investment throughout 2025. These efforts have strengthened Cambodia’s reputation as a stable and welcoming environment for both regional and international investors.
Steady Growth Culminates in a Historic Year
Chanthol outlined the progression of investment approvals over recent years, noting that the CDC approved 268 qualified projects in 2023, rising to 414 in 2024. As of December 19, 2025, approvals had already reached 626 projects, with an additional four expected before year end. This would bring the total to 630 projects for the year, representing more than 10 billion dollars in investment capital and the anticipated creation of over 400,000 jobs, marking one of the strongest performances in the CDC’s history.
Unprecedented Achievement and Trade Confidence
“This is a historic achievement for the CDC, unprecedented in the past 30 years. This growth reflects the positive business and investment environment in Cambodia, as well as the conclusion of reciprocal trade agreements with the US at a tariff rate of 19%. Cambodia was the first country in the world to provide such clarity and a high level of confidence for investors exporting products to the vast US market,” he said. This clarity has played a crucial role in boosting investor trust, particularly among export oriented manufacturers targeting global markets.
Exploring New Markets While Strengthening Traditional Partners
Chanthol reaffirmed his commitment to diversifying Cambodia’s investment sources by exploring new markets such as Russia, while continuing to attract investors from established partners including the European Union, the United States and Canada. This balanced approach aims to reduce dependency on a limited number of markets while ensuring steady inflows of quality investment aligned with Cambodia’s long term development priorities.
Industrial Transformation Aligned with Vision 2050
He also highlighted the Cambodian government’s strategic focus on strengthening the industrial sector as a foundation for sustainable economic growth. Through economic diversification and enhanced competitiveness, Cambodia is working toward its Vision 2050 goal of becoming a high income country. Central to this strategy is reducing reliance on garments and textiles and promoting industrialisation through diversified export products, production bases and markets, alongside modernised industries driven by technology intensive and higher value added activities.
Conclusion
The approval of more than 600 investment projects in 2025 marks a defining chapter for Cambodia’s economic development. With record investment capital, significant job creation and a clear strategy for industrial diversification, Cambodia is positioning itself for long term, sustainable growth. Continued reforms, market expansion and a focus on higher value industries will be essential in maintaining this momentum and turning ambitious national goals into lasting economic success.