PHNOM PENH โ Cambodiaโs lead investment agency has reviewed seven new qualified projects worth a combined US$450 million, signaling continued momentum in foreign direct investment despite global economic headwinds.
The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) held its fifth โOne-Window-Service Meetingโ of 2026 on May 19, chaired by H.E. Chea Vuthy, Secretary General of the Cambodian Investment Board. Representatives from relevant ministries, provincial authorities, and other state institutions attended to examine the proposed investments.
According to a CDC statement following the meeting, the seven projects are expected to generate approximately 900 jobs and will be located across Kampong Speu, Stung Treng, and Pursat provinces.
Project Breakdown
The proposed investments span three main sectors:
1. Industrial manufacturing
- A washing, dyeing, and printing factory
- Accompanying treatment tank and boiler system
2. Agro-industry
- A cooking oil refinery producing bran oil, soybean oil, corn oil, and olive oil
3. Clean energy and infrastructure โ the largest share by value
- Three solar power stations with capacities ofย 200 MW, 100 MW, and 30 MW
- Oneย 500 MW battery energy storage system (BESS)ย station
Investor Confidence Backed by Trade Agreements
Mr. Lim Heng, Vice President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, told reporters that the Kingdom continues to attract foreign investment thanks to its expanding network of free trade agreements and pro-business policies.
โCambodiaโs internal economic reforms and investor protection mechanisms remain important factors in drawing foreign investors,โ he said. He added that the Royal Government is actively working to improve the business environment and strengthen confidence among international companies.
Cambodia currently benefits from bilateral and regional trade pacts including the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), the Cambodia-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Context
The CDCโs one-window-service mechanism is designed to fast-track investment approvals by allowing applicants to submit documents to a single body, which then coordinates with all relevant government agencies.
The latest meeting underscores Cambodiaโs push to diversify its investment base beyond garments and tourism โ into higher-value manufacturing, agro-processing, and renewable energy โ as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) โ Original article
This article was produced by Orkun Santepheapโs Invest Cambodia desk, led by Han Bunna, tracking FDI trends, industrial development, and economic policy.