PHNOM PENH — The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) approved 42 new investment projects in April 2026 with a total registered capital of approximately US$222 million, according to a press release issued on Wednesday.
The approved projects are expected to generate around 24,000 jobs for Cambodian workers, with investments concentrated in agriculture, agro‑industry, and general industry sectors.
Quick Facts: April 2026 Investment Approvals
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total projects | 42 |
| Total capital | ~US$222 million |
| Estimated jobs | ~24,000 |
| Top sectors | Agriculture, agro‑industry, general industry |
| Top investor | China |
| Second investor | Cambodia (domestic) |
| Most projects by province | Kandal (12), Kampong Speu (10) |
Geographic Distribution
Among the 42 projects, 12 are located in Kandal province and 10 in Kampong Speu province. The remaining projects are spread across Takeo, Svay Rieng, Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Koh Kong, Thbong Khmum, and Battambang provinces.
China Leads, Domestic Investment Follows
China remained the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for Cambodia in April, followed by domestic Cambodian investment. The strong inflow of Chinese capital reflects the continued close economic cooperation between the two countries under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Cambodia‑China Free Trade Agreement.
Two Major Projects Highlight the Pipeline
Among the 42 approved projects, two stand out for their scale and sectoral importance:
| Project | Location | Investment | Jobs Created |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit plantation and processing factory | Banan district, Battambang province | US$20 million | 174 |
| Factory producing and processing oil for vehicle tyres and rubber products | Sin Bavet Special Economic Zone, Svay Rieng province | US$9.6 million | 350 |
The fruit plantation and processing project underscores Cambodia’s push to add value to agricultural products domestically rather than exporting raw commodities. The rubber‑processing factory aligns with the government’s strategy to develop supporting industries for vehicle tyre manufacturing, a sector with growing regional demand.
Investment Momentum Continues
The April approvals follow a strong first quarter for Cambodian investment. In Q1 2026, the CDC approved more than 60 projects worth over US$300 million, according to earlier government data. The steady flow of new projects indicates sustained investor confidence despite global economic headwinds.
Analyst’s View
Mr. Sok Piseth, an economic analyst based in Phnom Penh, noted that the geographic spread of projects — from Battambang in the northwest to Svay Rieng in the southeast — reflects a deliberate policy to decentralise industrial activity away from the capital.
“The CDC is actively encouraging investment in provincial special economic zones. The Sin Bavet SEZ, near the Vietnamese border, is becoming a hub for light manufacturing and processing industries. This helps reduce pressure on Phnom Penh’s infrastructure while creating jobs in rural areas,” he said.
Outlook
The Cambodian government aims to attract more than US$10 billion in fixed‑asset investment in 2026, up from US$10 billion recorded in 2025. The CDC continues to offer Qualified Investment Project (QIP) incentives, including tax holidays and duty-free import of equipment, to both domestic and foreign investors.