Property News Roundup 5th May 2025
We’re delighted to share the weekly news highlights below.
- Government and Private Sector Unite for Affordable Housing Initiative in Cambodia
The Cambodian government signed an agreement with a company called AGENT21 GLOBAL to work together on building affordable housing for low- and middle-income families across the country. This partnership supports Cambodia’s National Housing Policy, which aims to make sure everyone has a safe and decent place to live. AGENT21 GLOBAL will help by designing around 100 different house models to give families more choices.
28 April, 2025 | Construction & Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/y3asrmba
- Trump’s fixation on a tariff battle win against China could cost him the trade war
Trump put a 145% tariff on Chinese goods hoping China would quickly agree to a new trade deal. Instead, China fought back with their own tariffs, strengthened ties with other countries, and ignored Trump’s efforts to talk. Experts say Trump misunderstood China’s strategy and strength, thinking they would react like Mexico and Canada had in the past. As of now, there are no real talks happening between the U.S. and China, and the tariffs are starting to hurt the global economy and shake U.S. markets.
28 April, 2025 | Politico | Link: https://tinyurl.com/v38n5mpf
- IMF Slashes Cambodia’s 2025 GDP Growth to 4% on Tariff Hike
Cambodia’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth projection for 2025 has been slashed to four percent by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due to possible US retaliatory tariffs, from its January estimate of 5.8 percent. It could fall further to 3.4 percent in 2026. It is among the lowest forecasts made by international financial institutions from a six percent growth recorded last year. This is due to the tariff impact.
29 April, 2025 | Source: Kiri Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/4e6nrkam
- With China And The US At Intense Economic Odds, Nations Are Being Forced To Choose Sides
Trump’s steep tariffs—like the 145% tax on Chinese goods and similar threats to allies such as Switzerland—are triggering a global shift in trade alliances. Countries that once relied heavily on the U.S. are now strengthening ties with China to protect their economies, with China offering itself as a stable and predictable alternative. From Europe to Southeast Asia, governments are hedging their bets as the U.S. adopts a more isolationist and confrontational trade stance. This shift is reversing years of U.S.-led efforts to contain China’s rise and could give Beijing greater leverage in future global negotiations, especially as it deepens its influence across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
29 April, 2025 | Source: Kiri Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/yc6hzp8z
- Significant Infrastructure Development: Three Key National Roads Inaugurated in Cambodia
Cambodia has inaugurated three major national roads—NR31, NR33, and NR41—totaling over 201 kilometers, improving connectivity between Phnom Penh and coastal provinces. Funded by over USD 188 million in Chinese concessional loans, the projects reflect growing Cambodia-China infrastructure ties. Prime Minister Hun Sen praised China’s support, highlighting the roads’ role in boosting trade, travel, and regional development.
30 April, 2025 | Source: Construction & Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/ycntwde3
- Kampot Targeted for Industrial Expansion As PM Confirms SEZ Plans
Prime Minister Hun Manet has pledged to develop more special economic zones in Kampot, aiming to position the province as both an industrial and tourism hub. Speaking at the inauguration of National Roads 31, 33, and 41, he highlighted growing investor interest in manufacturing and ecotourism linked to Kampot International Port. Economists welcomed the plans, noting the potential to boost local supply chains, job creation, and sustainable development. The dual focus on industry and ecotourism is expected to strengthen Kampot’s role in Cambodia’s economic diversification and global integration.
30 April, 2025 | Source: Kiri Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/3ka34yxs
- Cambodia launches new project to drive energy efficiency
Cambodia has launched a major new initiative to boost energy efficiency in its building sector, aiming to cut emissions and enhance climate resilience. Backed by the UN Joint SDG Fund and led by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, UNDP, and UNCDF, the project targets regulatory, behavioral, and financing challenges to promote greener construction. With buildings accounting for 52% of national energy use, the program includes training, private sector engagement, and support for energy service companies. It aligns with Cambodia’s goals to reduce emissions by 41.7% by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
30 April, 2025 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/yc4u3th5
- Phnom Penh-Poipet Railway Upgrade Project Moves Forward with Major Feasibility Study
The Phnom Penh–Poipet Railway upgrade project, led by Cambodia’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport in partnership with CRBC and Royal Railway, is progressing into a key feasibility study phase, supported by a $300 million grant from Japan. The initiative aims to modernize the 386-kilometer line to match the standards of the upgraded southern railway to Sihanoukville.
1 May, 2025 | Source: Construction & Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/4ssts782
- China says it is looking at American proposals to scale down tariff war
China is considering whether to begin trade talks with the United States after receiving repeated signals from Washington expressing a willingness to negotiate on tariffs, according to the Ministry of Commerce. However, China emphasized that the U.S. must show genuine intent by correcting its “wrong practices” and removing all unilateral tariffs for meaningful dialogue to proceed.
1 May, 2025 | Source: South China Morning Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/26v8fk5x
- Cambodia Welcomes 18 New Investment Projects Worth USD 361 Million
Cambodia has approved 18 new investment projects worth USD 361 million across seven provinces and cities, aiming to boost agriculture and industry while creating about 8,500 jobs. The ventures, endorsed by the Council for the Development of Cambodia, include rubber processing, automotive and furniture manufacturing, electrical assembly, and a 150-megawatt wind power plant, reflecting the country’s push for sustainable and regionally balanced economic growth.
29 April, 2025 | Source: Construction & Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/5atv7uyz