Economists have noted that as the number of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) increases, opportunities to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into Cambodia will also expand. In the first month of 2026 alone, three investment proposals for Special Economic Zones were approved.
A February 10 press release from the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) stated that in January 2026, the CDC’s Cambodia Investment Committee approved a total of 43 investment projects.
With a combined capital of approximately $752 million, they are expected to create around 26,000 jobs. Of them, 35 were located outside SEZs, while 8 were within them.
Compared to January 2025, the number of registered projects in January declined by 25 projects, or 37 per cent, although total investment capital increased by about $3.4 million, or approximately 0.45 percent.
The CDC also reported that three new SEZs were approved, with total capital of $260 million and the potential to create 868 jobs.
The first, in Chum Kiri district, Kampot province, has capital of $120 million, the second, in Kampot’s Bokor town, has $65 million in capital, and the third, in Chbar Mon town, Kampong Speu province, has attracted $75.
Sam Soknoeun, chairman of the Board of Directors of SAM SN Group, told The Post that SEZs play a crucial role in attracting and encouraging multinational investors to Cambodia. He explained that they offer significant convenience to investors, as they are equipped with supporting infrastructure such as roads, energy supply and administrative offices under a “one-stop service” mechanism, which ensures efficiency, speed and alignment with the needs of factory owners and enterprises.
“All business operations of factories and enterprises within special economic zones are convenient for investors — from applying for imports of raw materials for production and processing to exporting finished goods to international markets,” he noted.
Sun Chanthol, CDC first vice-chairman, previously explained that as of the first half of 2025, Cambodia had a total of 57 SEZs. From 2020 to July 2025, approximately 400 investment projects had already been implemented within these SEZs.
“Special Economic Zones have played a crucial role in attracting foreign direct investment, especially from China. Currently, Cambodia has approved 57 SEZs, of which 11 are investments by Chinese investors,” he said.
