Property News Roundup 22nd September 2025
We’re delighted to share the weekly news highlights below.
1. Japanese and Cambodian investors partnering up on $100 million, 65-story luxury hotel, condominiums in Phnom Penh
Japanese and Cambodian investors are partnering on a $100 million project to build the 65-story G.A.T.O Tower in Phnom Penh’s BKK1 district. The development will include luxury condos, a hotel, and premium amenities, with construction starting in 2026. Designed by a renowned Japanese architect, the tower aims to be a new landmark in the city.
12 September 2025 | Source: The Phnom Penh Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/4bs3etu2
2. Etihad Airways to launch direct flights from the UAE to Cambodia in October
Etihad Airways will launch direct passenger flights between Abu Dhabi and Phnom Penh starting October 2025. This marks the airline’s first direct route to Cambodia, enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism and business ties between the UAE and Cambodia. The new service reflects growing demand and strategic expansion into Southeast Asia.
15 September 2025 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/5dwxa8n5
3. China’s home prices fall in August, extending weak trend
China’s new home prices fell for the fifth straight month in August, signaling deepening trouble in the property sector. Despite recent policy easing, market confidence remains weak. The downturn continues to weigh heavily on China’s broader economic recovery.
15 September 2025 | Source: Reuters | Link: https://tinyurl.com/5xuxt2yn
4. Cambodia’s Rice Exports Surge, Raking in Nearly USD 350 Million in 8 Months
Cambodia exported nearly 473,000 tons of rice in the first eight months of 2025, earning approximately USD 348.18 million. Key markets included Europe, China, Hong Kong, ASEAN, and countries across Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. Fragrant rice dominated the exports, and the sector remains a cornerstone of Cambodia’s economy and food security strategy.
16 September 2025 | Source: Construction Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/ye2xrb5c
5. Vietnam to Add Khmer Language to School Curriculum in 2028
Vietnam will introduce Khmer language into its national school curriculum by 2028 as part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional ties and foster inclusion for its large Khmer ethnic community. The initiative also aims to support cross-border cooperation with Cambodia, especially in trade and workforce development. Experts emphasize the need for collaboration between both countries to ensure accurate and culturally respectful teaching of Khmer.
16 September 2025 | Source: Kiri Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/mryejxsc
6. Cambodia eyes agricultural export opportunities with the Indian market
Cambodia is actively exploring agricultural export opportunities with India, driven by a nearly 39% surge in exports to the Indian market during the first eight months of the year. The growth is supported by India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme and ongoing
negotiations for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement. Cambodia aims to expand exports of rice, cashew nuts, and other agri-products, leveraging both historical ties and emerging trade frameworks to deepen economic cooperation.
17 September 2025 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/8vzpfhjc
7. Cambodia Welcomes 5 New Investment Projects Worth USD 46 Million
Cambodia has approved five new investment projects worth USD 46 million, spanning the provinces of Kandal, Preah Sihanouk, and Kampong Thom. These projects focus on industrial manufacturing ranging from furniture and sports equipment to metal and plastic tools and include one agro-industrial initiative for rice processing and fertilizer production. Collectively, they are expected to create around 2,000 jobs, reinforcing Cambodia’s growing appeal to both domestic and foreign investors.
18 September 2025 | Source: Construction Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/53r34ur6
8. Hong Kong leader plans to fast-track border mega-project
Hong Kong will fast-track its Northern Metropolis border project to boost integration with Shenzhen and expand urban development. Chief Executive John Lee also announced a HK $1 billion AI hub and new policies to attract tech talent and mainland enterprises. The plan aims to position Hong Kong as a key innovation and economic zone.
17 September 2025 | Source: CNA | Link: https://tinyurl.com/38frekp3
9. ADB explores new support for Cambodia’s industrial transformation
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) plans to deepen support for Cambodia’s industrial transformation through investments in skills, clean energy, and economic diversification. A new ADB office and partnership strategy aim to help Cambodia reach high-income status by 2050. The focus is on sustainable growth and stronger human capital.
19 September 2025 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/3fduuuk6
10. US launches effort to speed power grid projects for AI
The U.S. government is launching a major initiative to modernize the aging power grid using artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate project approvals and improve planning. The effort, led by the Department of Energy, aims to address the growing strain on the grid caused by extreme weather, rising electricity demand from electric vehicles (EVs), and the expansion of renewable energy sources.
19 August 2025 | Source: Reuters | Link: https://tinyurl.com/mry46pp6