Property News Roundup 08th December 2025
We’re delighted to share the weekly news highlights below.
1. UAE–Cambodia CEPA to drive non-oil trade beyond $1bn by 2030
The UAE-Cambodia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) officially entered into force on January 31, 2024, aiming to significantly expand non-oil bilateral trade.
This landmark free trade deal is designed to more than double the value of non-oil trade between the two nations, setting a target to exceed $1 billion by 2030. This builds on the $407 million in non-oil trade recorded in 2022.
The CEPA achieves this by removing or reducing tariffs on over 92% of product lines and eliminating non-tariff trade barriers. Key benefits for the UAE include new export opportunities in machinery, oils and lubricants, and automotive parts. Cambodia will gain preferential access for its major exports, including grains, fruits, processed foods, and apparel.
Beyond trade in goods, the agreement boosts investment cooperation in crucial sectors like logistics, infrastructure, tourism, and renewable energy, and provides market access for UAE service providers. The CEPA supports the UAE’s broader economic diversification strategy and reinforces Cambodia’s position as a gateway to the ASEAN region.
2025-December -01 , ARABIAN Business: https://tinyurl.com/6x23fbbt
2. Cambodia’s construction investment surges to over $7B
Cambodia’s construction sector has entered 2025 with significant momentum, recording a sharp surge in approved investment despite global economic uncertainties. The Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction reported approving 3,503 projects with a total investment value of $7.32 billion, marking a substantial 68.89 percent increase compared to 2024.
These projects span over 18 million square meters, reflecting the sector’s resilience and broad-based expansion. The investment is driven by diverse sub-sectors, including 228 high-rise buildings, over 2,700 residential developments (valued at over $2.5 billion), and significant commercial and factory construction.
This growth is fueled by improving investor confidence, sustained domestic demand, and the government’s commitment to strengthening technical standards and resolving land issues. Experts note that major infrastructure projects, like the new Techo International Airport, further position Cambodia as a competitive investment destination.
2025-December-02 , Khmer Time: https://tinyurl.com/ycdew4ad
3. CDC approves investment projects worth $9.5 billion in 11 months
Cambodia’s Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) reported a remarkable surge in investment, approving 609 fixed-asset projects with a total capital of $9.5 billion in the first 11 months of 2025. This represents a 56.5% increase in project numbers and a 48.4% increase in capital compared to the same period in the previous year, and is expected to create over 400,000 jobs.
Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol attributed these inflows to the country’s strong political stability and flexible investment incentives. The approved projects are mainly concentrated in garment and non-garment manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism. China remains the top foreign investor, with other significant contributions from countries like Singapore and Vietnam. The CDC figures underscore Cambodia’s rising potential as a key regional investment hub, bolstered by regional trade agreements.
2025-December -05 , Khmer Time: https://tinyurl.com/4h9wyzzx
4. ADB signs US$763 million investment for Cambodia urban resilience
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$763 million multi-tranche investment program to enhance urban resilience and livability in Cambodia. The program, with an overall estimated cost of $966 million, is structured in four tranches to expand access to safe water supply, sanitation, and essential urban services like drainage and solid waste management.
The facility aims to improve services in 14 cities and 12 districts across the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and coastal regions, directly benefiting over two million people. This investment is crucial for climate adaptation, as services require significant upgrades to meet growing demand and combat extreme weather events. The ADB notes that without effective adaptation, climate-related losses could reach $10.6 billion a year by 2050, emphasizing the urgency of building inclusive, climate-resilient urban services.
2025-December-02, The Asset Publishing and Research: https://tinyurl.com/2cbyt28k
5. Singapore Sees Cambodia as Cornerstone for ASEAN Power Grid
Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) views a planned cross-border energy project with Cambodia as a crucial cornerstone for developing the ASEAN Power Grid (APG). The project, for which Singapore granted conditional approval to Keppel Energy in 2023, involves importing one gigawatt (1 GW) of low-carbon electricity from Cambodia.
The EMA spokesperson stated that if realized, this large-scale trading would be a key step toward the APG’s goal of strengthening regional energy security, diversifying away from fossil fuels, and promoting renewable energy (primarily solar and hydro) development across Southeast Asia. Both countries are committed to working toward a greener, more interconnected region, aiming for the full implementation of the APG by 2045. The cooperation helps unlock the region’s vast untapped renewable energy potential.
2025-December-05, Cambodianess : https://tinyurl.com/mz35udcc
6. Kingdom announces 4-month visa-free trial for Chinese nationals
Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism announced a four-month visa-free trial for Chinese nationals, effective from June 15 to October 15 next year. This pilot program, approved by Prime Minister Hun Manet, is the country’s first visa exemption for Chinese tourists.
The exemption allows Chinese visitors a 14-day stay without fees or an application, requiring only an E-arrival card, and permits multiple entries during the trial period. The goal is to evaluate the program for a potential extension to 12 months. The move is intended to unlock the tourism potential of Chinese nationals, who are currently the third-largest source of foreign holidaymakers to the Kingdom. Industry leaders have lauded the initiative as a vital step in tourism promotion.
2025-December-04, Khmer Time: https://tinyurl.com/m3pueu8k
7. Excitement peaks as 16,000 set to join Angkor Wat Marathon
The 30th Angkor Wat International Half Marathon is set to make history on December 7 with a record 16,000 runners participating. This is the highest turnout since the event began 30 years ago, including 3,000 international participants from 86 countries, underscoring Cambodia’s stability and growing appeal as a sporting and cultural destination. The theme for this year’s race is “Run for Longevity,” which aims to encourage healthy and active lifestyles, celebrate the majestic Angkor Wat, and honor the enduring peace that makes these international events possible. The marathon includes four race categories (21km, 10km, 5km, and 3km), all starting and finishing in front of the temple. Significantly, all registration fees collected from the event are dedicated to charitable causes, supporting initiatives such as providing prosthetic limbs, rehabilitation, and education programs for underprivileged children.
2025-December-01, Khmer Time: https://tinyurl.com/45e8ap5y
8. NBC revokes Huione Pay Plc’s license, issues warning on cryptocurrency activities
The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has publicly announced the revocation of the license for payment service provider Huione Pay Plc., which completed its legal liquidation procedures in June 2025. The NBC confirmed that all payment obligations to the company’s clients have been fully settled in accordance with Cambodian law.
In addition, the NBC issued a stern warning regarding cryptocurrency transactions in Cambodia. The central bank stated that any activities involving the purchase, sale, or transfer of crypto assets that do not comply with existing NBC regulations and joint statements pose potential risks to the country’s banking system and the public. The NBC emphasized that no bank or financial institution is currently authorized to offer services related to cryptocurrency assets and urged the public to exercise caution.
2025-December-04, Khmer Time: https://tinyurl.com/4e54pwsy
9. Poll reveals outrage over Thailand’s actions against Cambodians as 94% back boycott of all things Thai
A recent Khmer Times poll revealed overwhelming national sentiment, with 94% of 4,328 respondents supporting a boycott of all things Thai. The public outrage stems from heightened tensions, particularly Thailand’s continued detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers captured after a ceasefire and a spate of violent incidents against Cambodian civilians near the border.
The poll reflects deep frustration over longstanding territorial disputes, notably near the Preah Vihear Temple, and a strong sense of national pride. While a boycott could have significant economic implications, supporters argue that short-term sacrifices are necessary for national integrity and standing up to perceived aggression. Government officials and opposition parties alike have utilized the nationalist sentiment to reinforce their positions, while diplomatic channels remain open to secure the soldiers’ safe return.
2025-December-02, Khmer Time: https://tinyurl.com/46u26732
10. US-ABC to set up permanent office in Cambodia
The United States-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) is set to establish its first permanent office in Cambodia, signaling a significant expansion of American commercial engagement and confidence in the Kingdom’s economic future. The announcement came during a meeting between the US-ABC delegation, led by Ted Osius, and Minister Hem Vanndy of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Cambodia views the move as a “great opportunity” for stronger collaboration with global investors, particularly as it pursues industrial modernization and innovation-led growth toward Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation. Discussions with US firms like Ford, 3M, and Visa focused on key sectors, including automotive manufacturing, technology partnerships, and expanding digital financial services. The US-ABC’s permanent presence is expected to accelerate Cambodia’s industrial development and integration into regional value chains.
2025-December-04, Khmer Time: https://tinyurl.com/5z5dryss