Cambodia Urges Chinese Investment in Key Sectors Amid Trade Growth

FUJIAN, China (Sept. 8, 2025) — Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol has called on Chinese investors to expand their presence in Cambodia’s high-potential sectors, citing favorable trade conditions and strategic advantages.

Speaking at the Future Investment Conference 2025, organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Sun said Cambodia offers lower tariffs than many regional peers and is actively implementing Phase I of its Pentagonal Strategy. The strategy focuses on human capital development, economic diversification, competitiveness, job creation, and sustainable digital growth.

He highlighted Cambodia’s central location in ASEAN, its open investment climate, young workforce, and broad market access through ASEAN, the World Trade Organization, and other frameworks. He also pointed to the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as key drivers of deeper trade and scientific cooperation.

“Cambodia warmly welcomes Chinese and other investors in sectors such as industry, infrastructure, logistics, green energy, and digital technology,” Sun said.

In Q1 2025, Cambodia–China trade reached $9.27 billion, up 26.9% from $7.31 billion in Q1 2024. Cambodia exported $750 million to China, down 7.9%, while imports from China rose 31.2% to $8.52 billion, resulting in a $7.77 billion trade deficit.