An aerial view of containers at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS). Supplied
Nearly 3,000 Chinese companies registered with the Ministry of Commerce in 2024, marking a 20.65% increase compared to 2023. The rise is attributed to bilateral discussions at government and private sector levels aimed at attracting Chinese investors to inject more capital into Cambodia.
According to a ministry report on 2024-2025 trade activities and directions, obtained by The Post on December 20, a total of 2,921 Chinese companies were registered during the year. The growth reflects coordinated efforts involving the ministry and other relevant departments, facilitated through work meetings with provincial administrative delegations and private sector representatives.
“The leadership and technical officers of the commerce ministry has conducted meetings and discussions with delegations from both the provincial administrations and the private sector of [China] to explore opportunities for attracting businesses from this region to invest in Cambodia, to promote Cambodia's potential products for customers in the region, as well as to inform them about Cambodia's trade policies, investment opportunities and to strengthen bilateral cooperation,” the ministry explained.
Lor Vichet, vice-president of the Cambodia Chinese Commerce Association (CCCA), told The Post on December 20 that the strong friendship between the two governments plays a significant role in attracting Chinese investors.
He said factors such as political stability, favourable investment laws, affordable skilled labour and Cambodia’s ability to export goods under preferential tax agreements with many countries are key drivers for investment.
Vichet highlighted that Cambodia’s lower real estate prices compared to neighbouring countries are another major draw for foreign investors, particularly the Chinese.
He also noted that with the incoming US administration under Donald Trump set to increase customs duties on Chinese imports in early 2025, more Chinese companies or foreign firms operating in China are expected to relocate to Cambodia.
“The geographic location and the access to export markets for products sold internationally really help attract Chinese investors to start businesses in Cambodia. Furthermore, trade activities between the two countries will continue to strengthen,” he said.
He noted that Chinese companies investing in Cambodia operate across nearly all sectors, including construction, real estate, agriculture, industry, finance, food, mining and energy.
According to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), from January to November, Cambodia’s international trade amounted to $49.87 billion, a year-on-year increase of 17.4%. Exports totalled $23.93 billion, up 16.8%, while imports reached $25.94 billion, reflecting a 17.9% rise.
China remains Cambodia’s largest trading partner, with a total trade value of $13.76 billion during the period, an increase of 24.2%. Exports to China totalled $1.61 billion, up 22.3%, while imports from China reached $12.15 billion, a 24.5% increase.
Speaking at the headquarters of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) on December 17 during a meeting with representatives from the Beijing International Economic Management Technology Promotion Association, Chea Vuthy, secretary-general of the CDC’s Cambodian Investment Board (CIB), highlighted the deepening relationship between Cambodia and China.
He described it as reaching its highest level, with both countries working towards a stronger “China-Cambodia community of shared destiny”.
He noted that the cooperation framework focuses on industrial and technological development, as well as enhancing rice and corn production, to deliver mutual benefits.
“The flow of direct investment projects from China into Cambodia has consistently remained at the top for the past decade, and the growth trend is expected to continue in the coming years,” Vuthy stated.
He also emphasised the country’s open investment environment, which welcomes foreign investors without discrimination.
“I am optimistic that the presence of Chinese enterprises will continue to bring more investment into Cambodia in the future, contributing to economic foundations, expanding markets and fostering more effective bilateral cooperation,” he said.
