Phnom penh: The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) has given the green light to 51 qualified investment projects (QIPs) valued at US$608 million in August. These projects are projected to create approximately 270,000 jobs for local residents.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the industry sector emerged as the leading recipient of investment, attracting US$313 million. This was followed by US$273 million directed towards infrastructure, US$14 million to agriculture and agro-industry, and US$8 million to tourism.
The distribution of capital sources highlights a significant contribution from local investors, who accounted for 45.48 percent of the total investment. China was the next largest contributor with 43.57 percent, while Singapore, the United Kingdom, the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and Japan contributed 5.06 percent, 2.60 percent, 1.74 percent, 0.85 percent, and 0.70 percent, respectively.
Among the approved projects, 35 QIPs are slated for areas outside special economic zones (SEZs). Notable projects include a fruit processing factory in Battambang province worth US$27 million and a rubber processing factory in Thbong Khmum province valued at US$8.7 million.
The remaining 16 QIPs are to be established within SEZs in Svay Rieng province, with a primary focus on industry and tourism. These include US$17 million allocated for metal production and US$8 million for constructing a 100-room, four-star hotel. Additionally, an infrastructure project worth US$11 million was approved in Preah Sihanouk province to develop a water and wastewater treatment plant and enhance electricity supply.