Phnom Penh: Cambodia attracted fixed-asset investment of 748 million U.S. dollars in January 2025, marking a significant increase of 300 percent from 187 million dollars in the same month last year, as reported by the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) in a news release on Wednesday. This surge in investment underscores a robust growth trajectory for the Southeast Asian nation.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the kingdom approved 68 investment projects last month, a notable rise from 32 projects in January of the previous year. These newly sanctioned projects are expected to create approximately 46,000 jobs, reflecting the positive economic impact on the local job market. Among the key projects are an auto garage equipment manufacturer, a car tire plant, a car assembly plant, a metal processing plant, a plastic product factory, and an aluminum processing plant, highlighting the diverse range of sectors attracting investment.

The CDC identified China as the leading investor in Cambodia, continuing its significant economic engagement in the region. Additionally, the Ministry of Commerce's Secretary of State and spokesperson, Penn Sovicheat, emphasized the role of international agreements in driving foreign direct investment to the country. He pointed out that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and Cambodia's bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) with China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates are pivotal in drawing foreign investors. Sovicheat described these regional and bilateral FTAs as "magnets" for investment, ensuring continued interest in Cambodia's growing economy.