Cambodia eyes $300 million bond issuance in 2026 after tax exemption boost

PHNOM PENH, Feb 20, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia is targeting US$300 million in bond issuance this year after granting a capital gains tax exemption on securities products, a move officials say will strengthen investor confidence and accelerate capital market development.

Sou Socheat, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC), said the incentive is expected to encourage more companies to issue both equity and corporate bonds on the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX).

“This exemption reaffirms the government’s support for the capital market and encourages investors to actively trade securities products,” Socheat said.

Approved by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the measure is part of broader efforts to deepen liquidity, stimulate trading activity and modernize Cambodia’s financial sector. Officials say it underscores the government’s commitment to building the securities market into a long-term financing channel for businesses.

Socheat expressed optimism that 2026 will see more companies entering the market, with small-scale equity listings and larger corporate bond issuances contributing to total fundraising of around US$300 million.

To date, firms listed on the CSX have raised about US$700 million, including 12 equity issuers and 15 corporate bond issuers, highlighting the growing role of Cambodia’s capital market in supporting economic expansion.