Cambodia-China enter new era with stronger investment confidence

Cambodia-China enter new era with stronger investment confidence

The ironclad friendship is not just built on state-level agreements and people-to-people ties, but has created employment opportunities, facilitated knowledge transfer, and opened pathways for Cambodian youth to engage with international business, says Chanthol.

Cambodia and China are entering a new era of economic partnership, as the Royal Government strengthens investment confidence and introduces more effective mechanisms to resolve investor disputes.

Speaking at the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (CCCC) on Saturday, Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), underscored that the “ironclad friendship” between the two countries is driving sustainable growth, infrastructure development, and high-quality investment, particularly in strategic sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and logistics.

The high-profile event brought together leaders from the CDC, the CCCC, and prominent business figures from Cambodia and China, marking both the 2025 Annual General Meeting and three decades of the Chamber’s contribution to bilateral economic cooperation.

Lin Shiqiang, President of the CCCC, delivered a welcome speech, followed by the reading of a congratulatory letter from China’s Ministry of Commerce, presented by Zhong Jie, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Ambassador Wang Wenbin delivered remarks praising the achievements of 30 years of collaboration and highlighting the CCCC’s role as a bridge for enterprises from both countries.

In his keynote address, Chanthol reflected on the significance of the “ironclad friendship,” which has been nurtured over more than three decades. He emphasised that the partnership is not just built on state-level agreements but also on genuine people-to-people ties, forming a foundation for what he described as a “Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future in the New Era”.

“This partnership has created employment opportunities, facilitated knowledge transfer, and opened pathways for Cambodian youth to engage with international business,” Chanthol said. “The Chinese Chamber of Commerce has served as a powerful bridge, enabling enterprises from both nations to work hand-in-hand toward inclusive development.”

Infrastructure development has been a key pillar of Cambodia-China cooperation. Chanthol highlighted the transformative impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has helped Cambodia move from a “country with potential” to a “country achieving tangible progress”.

Major milestones include over 3,000 kilometres of roads, strategic bridges, modern airports, and expressways, which have significantly reduced logistics costs and strengthened Cambodia’s competitiveness in the region. Chinese investors remain highly confident in Cambodia’s economic landscape, with direct investment from China accounting for more than 50 percent of total foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025.

“This is a clear testament to the trust Chinese investors place in Cambodia’s political stability and macroeconomic management,” Chanthol remarked. Looking ahead, the Deputy Prime Minister urged further investment in high-priority sectors to bolster Cambodia’s resilience in the digital age. These include high value-added manufacturing, processing agricultural products into international brands, green energy, and smart logistics systems.

He emphasised that the Royal Government’s focus is not only on the quantity of investment but also on quality and sustainability, aiming to position Cambodia as a regional logistics hub within the Mekong Corridor.

To support this vision, Chanthol announced the establishment of the Cambodia-China Government-Private Sector Dialogue (PPSD). The first session is scheduled for February 2026 and will convene every six months, providing a platform to directly address investors’ concerns. This initiative complements ongoing reforms in digital administration, transparency, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET), ensuring a business environment that is predictable and easy to navigate.

The Royal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to strategic sectors by appointing Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy, as Third Vice Chairman of the CDC, in addition to his current portfolio. This move is intended to strengthen coordination and provide timely solutions to challenges faced by investors, particularly in mining and energy, which are vital to Cambodia’s industrial and manufacturing growth.

In closing, the Deputy Prime Minister shared two proverbs: “A single pillar cannot build a house” and “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” He noted that these sayings reflect the shared responsibility of the state and private sector in achieving success.

“As partners who have proven their strength over a long journey, Cambodia continues to welcome Chinese enterprises at all levels to invest and grow together, building a Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future that is prosperous and mutually beneficial in this new era,” he added.

Ambassador Wenbin said the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, representing Chinese enterprises in the country, provided material assistance such as rice and instant noodles to refugees affected by the conflict along the Cambodia-Thailand border. This act exemplifies the brotherly friendship between the peoples of China and Cambodia.”

The 30th Anniversary Celebration of the CCCC and the 2025 Annual General Meeting underscored Cambodia’s ongoing commitment to creating a business environment that promotes confidence, high-quality investment, and sustainable development.

With the launch of the PPSD, the Royal Government is signalling a clear message: Cambodia and China are ready to advance into a new era of economic collaboration.

khmertimeskh