Cambodia Seeks High-Quality Chinese Investment to Drive Industrial Transformation

PHNOM PENH, June 25, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia is seeking to attract more high-quality Chinese investment that delivers technology, innovation and stronger industrial capabilities, as the Kingdom accelerates efforts to transform its industrial sector and diversify its economy, officials said Wednesday.

Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), delivered the message during a meeting with a delegation from the Cambodia Industrial Economics Promotion Association (CIEA) to discuss preparations for the 2026 Cambodia Industrial Development Conference and Cambodia-China Industrial Expo, scheduled for July 17–18 in Phnom Penh.

The event is expected to draw more than 200 Chinese enterprises, industry associations, investors and Cambodian businesses to explore investment opportunities and strengthen industrial cooperation between the two countries.

Welcoming CIEA’s efforts to promote Cambodia as an investment destination, Vanndy stressed that the Kingdom is prioritizing projects that enhance competitiveness and support long-term economic transformation.

“China is Cambodia’s number one investor. What Cambodia seeks is not investment in numbers alone. We want quality investment that brings competitive advantages, technology transfer, innovation, and investments in emerging sectors that can help diversify our economy and strengthen Cambodia’s industrial base,” he said.

The minister added that Cambodia also welcomes projects that develop local supply chains, create stronger linkages with domestic enterprises and build the country’s industrial capabilities.

CIEA President Li Zhan Bo said the conference and expo are designed to serve as a practical platform for connecting Chinese and Cambodian enterprises, promoting industrial cooperation and facilitating new investment projects.

“Our goal is not only to bring Chinese capital to Cambodia, but also technology, talent, industrial resources and complete supply-chain solutions that can support Cambodia’s industrial development,” Li said. “We hope the event will help more high-quality Chinese enterprises understand Cambodia’s opportunities and establish long-term operations in the Kingdom.”

Established in October 2025, CIEA is a Cambodia-based industry association dedicated to promoting industrial economic cooperation between Cambodia and China. Since its founding, the association has organized investment promotion activities in both countries and worked with numerous Chinese business associations and enterprises interested in expanding their presence in Cambodia