Property News Roundup 12th May 2025
We’re delighted to share the weekly news highlights below.
- Cambodia, US to begin trade talks in Washington on May 14-15
Cambodia and the US will hold trade negotiations on May 14-15 in Washington, D.C. The talks aim to strengthen economic ties and explore opportunities for increased trade and investment. Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol will lead the Cambodian delegation, while Sarah Ellerman will head the US side. Cambodia is considering increasing imports of US goods to create a favorable negotiating environment. Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the importance of these talks for Cambodia’s economy.
May 05th 2025 | Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/mt7buuaf
- Cambodia, Iran to firm up economic cooperation
Cambodia and Iran have agreed to enhance long-term economic cooperation in various sectors, including petrochemicals, nanotechnology, aerospace, and infrastructure development. They are also exploring the feasibility of direct flights from Tehran to Phnom Penh. Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol met with Iranian Ambassador Ali Akbar Nazari in Phnom Penh. Nazari expressed Iran’s interest in contributing to Cambodia’s development and called for the swift finalization of a bilateral investment protection treaty. The discussions also covered potential exports of Cambodian agricultural products to Iran and the import of Iranian goods, including fruits and saffron flowers. Both sides are keen on improving trade relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.
May 05th 2025 | Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/3ka44ykm
- Cambodia and South Korea Unite to Foster Industrial Innovation and Development
Cambodia and South Korea have signed an agreement to establish an “Industrial Innovation, Research and Development Cluster” in Cambodia. This five-year initiative aims to enhance policy cooperation and drive economic growth. The partnership will focus on policy formulation, funding mechanisms, technology transfer, and knowledge exchange. Minister Hem Vandy emphasized the importance of leveraging South Korea’s expertise in science and technology policy to boost Cambodia’s industrial and innovation sectors.
May 05th 2025 | Construction & Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/mr2hw5xm
- Chinese firm eyes investment in Cambodia’s crude oil refinery sector
Beijing Saite Holding Co., Ltd. has expressed interest in investing in crude oil refining and producing by-products from refining residues in Cambodia. Chairman Zhu Yujiang discussed this during a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet, emphasizing the investment’s potential to boost Cambodia’s socio-economic development and manufacturing productivity. Hun Manet welcomed the interest and highlighted Cambodia’s supportive policies for supply chain investments, encouraging the company to explore opportunities and collaborate with relevant ministries.
May 06th 2025 | Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/4vfdvrjz
- Cambodia adopts tough stand, PM says no to e-cigarette investment
Prime Minister Hun Manet has rejected a proposal to invest in e-cigarette production in Cambodia, emphasizing the country’s commitment to public health. He expressed concerns about the growing use of e-cigarettes among schoolchildren and urged strict control over their distribution. Hun Manet highlighted Cambodia’s attractive investment opportunities in other sectors, such as electricity and equipment, and encouraged healthy living through sports and physical activity. The government’s stance aligns with its policy to protect citizens from addictive products like e-cigarettes.
May 06th 2025 | Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/3d2evc9a
- EU to propose banning Russian gas imports by end of 2027
The European Union plans to ban Russian gas imports by the end of 2027. This includes stopping new gas deals and spot contracts by the end of this year and phasing out existing long-term contracts by 2027 1 2. The move aims to reduce reliance on Russian energy and open the market for more US LNG supplies 3. The EU will also introduce measures to increase transparency in gas supply contracts and ensure stable energy prices.
May 06th 2025 | South China Morning Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/25z5sf2n
- Cambodia approves investment projects worth $3.4 bln in first 4 months
Cambodia attracted $3.4 billion in fixed-asset investment in the first four months of 2025, a 34% increase from the same period in 2024. The country approved 231 investment projects, creating about 159,000 jobs. Significant projects include factories for auto equipment, car tires, electric three-wheelers, medical equipment, solar power, and more. China remains the top foreign investor. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and bilateral free trade agreements with China, South Korea, and the UAE are key factors in attracting investment.
May 07th 2025 | Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/bdd7nx38
- PM launches $90 million Takhmao wastewater treatment project
Prime Minister Hun Manet presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for a $90 million wastewater treatment project in Takhmao City, Kandal province. Funded by a concessional loan from South Korea, the project aims to improve public health and environmental protection. It includes a wastewater treatment plant, pumping stations, and a sewerage network, and is expected to be completed by 2027. Hun Manet emphasized the importance of the Cambodia-South Korea partnership and thanked South Korea for its support in various sectors.
May 07th 2025 | Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/4259s9cz
- Cambodia’s exports of garments, shoes, travel goods up 20 pct in Q1
Cambodia exported $3.5 billion worth of garments, footwear, and travel goods in the first quarter of 2025, a 20% increase year over year. This sector, the largest foreign exchange earner in Southeast Asia, includes about 1,538 factories and employs approximately 913,000 workers, mostly female.
May 08th 2025 | Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/927ev4v3
- Mekong River Bridge in Kratie Province Nearing Completion
The Mekong River Bridge in Kratie Province is 94% complete and expected to open temporarily in September 2025. The 1,761-meter-long bridge, funded by China, will enhance connectivity between major national roads and boost regional development. The project costs $111 million and includes extensive road networks.
May 09th 2025 | Construction & Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/5n6c4aas