Border Tensions Fail to Slow $660 Million in New Investment Projects in Cambodia’s Northeast

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 25, 2025) — Despite ongoing border tensions, Cambodia is moving ahead with 13 new investment projects worth a combined $660 million in the country’s northeastern provinces, officials said.

The projects, approved under a special government program, are scheduled to begin implementation in early 2026. They span agriculture, agro-industry, tourism, port infrastructure, higher education and health care, according to the Secretariat of the Northeast Investment Promotion Working Group.

At meetings held Dec. 23–24, officials led by Sim Virak, secretary of state at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Pech Sambath, deputy secretary of state, met with nine companies that have received investment principles. The sessions aimed to brief investors on procedures, resolve concerns and ensure smooth project rollout.

Six projects will be located in Kratie province, four in Mondulkiri and three in Ratanakiri. Officials said the ventures are expected to create about 12,900 jobs once fully operational.

Virak emphasized that securing investment principles is only the first step, and that successful implementation is critical to generating real economic activity and improving livelihoods in the northeast.

Company representatives expressed gratitude for government incentives and pledged to contribute to local and national development.

The special program, launched in April 2025, covers Kratie, Stung Treng, Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri provinces, offering streamlined approvals and incentives to attract priority-sector investment.