Phnom penh: The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) has approved a total of 440 Qualified Investment Projects (QIPs) worth approximately US$6.7 billion during the first seven months of 2025, marking an increase of 206 projects and about US$3 billion compared to the same period in 2024.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the industrial sector attracted the largest share with US$4.7 billion, followed by infrastructure investments at US$1.5 billion. The agriculture and agro-industry sector accounted for US$356 million, while tourism projects attracted US$167 million. The approved projects are expected to create around 312,000 jobs for Cambodians.

China remained the largest source of investment capital, accounting for 53.66 percent of the total. Local investors followed with 29.97 percent, while Singapore contributed 7.10 percent, and Viet Nam accounted for 5.95 percent. Other contributors included the British Virgin Islands, United Kingdom, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, the United States, and Samoa, with varying smaller percentages.

In July alone, the CDC approved 67 QIPs worth US$944 million, marking an increase of 23 projects year-on-year, or an additional US$547 million in investment capital. These July approvals are expected to create approximately 57,000 jobs. Of these 67 QIPs, 43 are located outside special economic zones. Notable projects include the expansion of a fruit crop farm and processing facility in Rattanakiri province, an iron ore project in Teuk Chhou and Dang Tong districts of Kampot province, the construction of five-star hotels in Phnom Penh and Svay Rieng province, and a machinery and robot assembly plant in Svay Rieng.

In 2024, Cambodia attracted 414 fixed-asset investment projects with a total capital of US$6.9 billion, reflecting a 40 percent increase from US$4.92 billion in 2023.