Cambodia Approves $260 Million in New SEZs as Investor Confidence Grows

PHNOM PENH, Feb 12, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has approved three new Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects worth a combined $260 million, underscoring rising investor confidence and continued industrial expansion in the Kingdom, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) said.

The projects, cleared in January, are located in Kampot and Kampong Speu provinces. The largest is the Kampot Fujian SEZ, a $120 million investment in Chumkiri district expected to generate 237 jobs. Another, the KP Yan SEZ in Bokor City, carries $65 million in capital and is projected to create 291 jobs.

Meanwhile, the Phnom Penh Logistics and Industrial Complex (Cambodia Super Port) in Chbar Mon City, Kampong Speu, represents a $75 million investment and is expected to generate 340 jobs, strengthening the country’s logistics and industrial capacity.

Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, First Vice Chairman of the CDC, said the steady rise in approvals reflects strong investor confidence, as the government continues reforms to improve the business environment and streamline investment procedures.

The approvals form part of broader momentum. In January alone, the CDC cleared 43 projects worth about $752 million, slightly up from the same period last year. Cambodia approved 630 investment projects worth $10 billion in 2025, a 45 percent increase from 2024.

Economic researcher Chey Tech said Cambodia must strengthen its workforce to meet rising demand in the industrial sector. He stressed the need for technical and industrial skills aligned with market needs, noting that Cambodia currently ranks first in ASEAN and ninth globally as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment.

“The latest SEZ approvals present not only opportunities for capital inflows but also a critical moment for Cambodia to strengthen its human resources to fully benefit from continued industrial growth,” Tech said.