Sun Chanthol (ninth right), Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin (eighth left), along with other diginatories take part in the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (CCCC) in Phnom Penh, on Saturday. (Khmer Times)
Cambodia and China are entering a new phase of economic cooperation, marked by rising investor confidence and strengthened mechanisms to support foreign investment. On February 3, speaking at the 30th anniversary of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol highlighted the role of the long-standing bilateral partnership in driving infrastructure development, job creation, and skills transfer. China remains Cambodia’s largest foreign investor, accounting for over half of total FDI in 2025, with cooperation spanning infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and logistics under initiatives such as the Belt and Road. The Cambodian government also announced new platforms for structured dialogue with investors, signalling a stronger focus on transparency, dispute resolution, and investment quality.
Business implications
The renewed policy focus signals a more mature investment environment in Cambodia, particularly for Chinese firms seeking long-term positioning in Southeast Asia. Improved dialogue mechanisms and continued infrastructure development are likely to lower operational frictions and support expansion in strategic sectors such as manufacturing, energy, logistics, and agri-processing. However, the shift towards higher-quality and sustainable investment suggests increasing competition and higher standards for new entrants, favouring companies with strong governance, technological capabilities, and long-term commitment to the local market.
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