In a significant move to accelerate trans-Pacific economic ties, senior officials from the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) conducted a high-level working session with the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) in California on January 26, 2026. The meeting, held in California, marks a proactive step by the Royal Government of Cambodia to secure long-term American capital and expertise for the Kingdom’s rapid industrial transformation.
Navigating the New Frontier of Investment
H.E. Nuth Unvoanra, Deputy Secretary General of the Cambodian Investment Board (CIB), met with the California delegation led by President Kim Chha Huot. The discussions focused on aligning California’s innovative business ecosystem with Cambodia’s evolving regulatory landscape.
H.E. Unvoanra provided a comprehensive briefing on the 2021 Law on Investment, emphasizing the streamlined “One-Window Service” and a robust package of incentives designed for international firms. These include income tax exemptions ranging from three to nine years and a 150% tax deduction for research, development, and vocational training initiatives.
High-Growth Sectors for American Capital
The California-based delegation expressed strong interest in Cambodia’s record-breaking investment performance—which saw nearly $10 billion in approved projects in 2025. President Kim Chha Huot identified five strategic “scouting” areas for California investors:
- Healthcare Infrastructure: Building modern hospital facilities and elevating human resource development.
- Digital Economy: Investing in information technology and high-speed digital infrastructure.
- Advanced Agriculture: Developing livestock and agro-processing plants to meet international export standards.
- Supply Chain Modernization: Enhancing logistics and service delivery to integrate with global production chains.
- Bi-Regional Trade: Expanding the import-export channels between the U.S. West Coast and Southeast Asia.
A Supportive Climate for International Growth
The CDC reaffirmed its commitment to an “open-door policy,” promising technical support and granular data to help U.S. firms finalize their market entry strategies. By providing a transparent and predictable environment, the Royal Government is positioning the Kingdom as the premier choice for American businesses looking to diversify their manufacturing and service bases in Asia.
As economic growth in Cambodia continues its upward trajectory, the synergy between the CDC and the California Chamber serves as a vital bridge. This partnership not only facilitates capital flow but also transfers the high-level technical knowledge necessary for Cambodia to achieve its 2030 upper middle-income status.
FAQ: Investing in Cambodia via the CDC
Investors can benefit from 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, corporate tax holidays, duty-free imports of capital goods, and no restrictions on capital repatriation.
It is a streamlined administrative mechanism that allows investors to obtain all necessary approvals and registrations in a single forum, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays.
California is a global leader in tech, healthcare, and agriculture. The CCC in California serves as a primary intermediary, helping American firms navigate local customs and regulations while connecting them with the Cambodia Investment Board.