Cambodia approves $752 million in January investments, led by SEZ expansion and wind power project

PHNOM PENH, Feb 10, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia approved more than US$752 million in new investments in January, with major projects focused on renewable energy and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) expansion, official data showed Tuesday.

The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) cleared 43 projects worth a combined US$752 million, expected to generate around 26,000 jobs. Of the total, 35 projects were located outside SEZs and eight within SEZs.

Although the number of approved projects fell 37 percent compared with January last year, the overall value edged up slightly by 0.45 percent, reflecting a shift toward larger, capital-intensive developments.

Among the most significant approvals was a US$200 million wind power project in Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri province. The 150-megawatt plant marks a milestone in Cambodia’s renewable energy drive, diversifying its power mix beyond hydropower and coal.

In parallel, three new SEZ development projects worth a combined US$260 million were registered in Kampot and Kampong Speu provinces. Officials said the zones are aimed at strengthening industrial and logistics capacity, supporting Cambodia’s role in regional supply chains.

Other notable investments included a textile factory in Kandal province, a noodle and food processing plant in Kampong Speu, and a canned fish and fish sauce factory in Kep, underscoring continued growth in manufacturing and agro processing.

The January figures follow Cambodia’s strongest year on record for investment approvals in 2025, when the CDC cleared more than US$10 billion across 630 projects, expected to create over 438,000 jobs.

Official says the January approvals highlight Cambodia’s dual focus on expanding industrial capacity while accelerating renewable energy adoption, positioning the country to attract diversified investment and meet rising domestic demand.