AKP Phnom Penh, September 9, 2026 --

Cambodia is seeking to elevate investment cooperation with China to a new level, focusing on advanced technology, stronger domestic supply chains, skills development and green infrastructure, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) H.E Sun Chanthol said.

“China remains an essential and indispensable strategic partner,” he said in a keynote address at the Future Investment Conference 2026 in Xiamen, Fujian province, China, on Sept. 8, held under the theme “Global Investment for a Changing World”.

He said Cambodia-China economic cooperation has expanded across a range of key sectors, including manufacturing and processing, agriculture, energy, tourism, and physical infrastructure development.

The Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have also served as important catalysts for bilateral trade and investment by providing businesses with broader market access and strengthening regional supply chain resilience, he added.

“Looking toward the future, the Royal Government aspires to elevate Cambodia-China investment collaboration to greater heights, focusing on bringing in advanced technologies, establishing robust domestic supply chains, boosting technical skills training, constructing green infrastructure, and expanding opportunities for the Cambodian people,” the CDC First Vice Chairman said.

The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed his profound gratitude to the Chinese government and people for their continued support, which he said has contributed significantly to the development of Cambodia’s transportation and logistics infrastructure over the past two decades.

Chinese-backed infrastructure investment extends beyond the construction of roads and bridges, he said, noting that such projects help connect farmers with markets, factories with ports and businesses with customers.

He said improved connectivity and logistics infrastructure are important foundations for attracting investment, enhancing trade competitiveness and supporting Cambodia’s broader economic development.

China is Cambodia's largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) with US$1.5 billion-investment projects had been licensed by CDC in the first seven months of 2026.

Major Chinese-backed projects include factories producing medical packaging, tyres, auto parts, electrical and electronic equipment, as well as major infrastructure projects such as the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway and Siem Reap International Airport.

During his visit to China, H.E. Sun Chanthol led a high-level Cambodian delegation and representatives from the private sector on an exhibition tour aimed at exchanging experiences, strengthening business networks and gaining first-hand insights into investment data and emerging technology trends.

The tour is part of Cambodia’s efforts to promote investment cooperation, absorb advanced technologies and identify new opportunities to support the Kingdom’s future economic development.

By Chea Vannak