Property News Roundup 9th June 2025
- FTC project ‘a catalyst for Kingdom’s growth march
The Funan Techo Canal (FTC) project, valued at $1.156 billion, is poised to become a transformative infrastructure development in Cambodia, connecting the Bassac River near Phnom Penh to Kep province over a stretch of 151.6 kilometers. Once completed, it will support vessels up to 3,000 deadweight tonnes, improving inland water transport, trade, and logistics.
Speaking in Kandal province, Governor Kuoch Chamroeun called the FTC a “historic achievement” that will attract investment, create jobs, and enhance tourism and infrastructure in surrounding areas. The canal will reduce transport costs, boost regional trade, and promote self-reliance in water transportation.
Construction preparations are underway, with boundary staking and impact assessments already completed for the first phase. Official construction is set to begin by the end of 2025, after land clearance and unexploded ordnance removal.
The canal is a Cambodia-China cooperation project, signed during President Xi Jinping’s visit, and led by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). The initiative marks a major step in Cambodia’s strategy for sustainable, inclusive economic growth and enhanced regional connectivity.
June 5 th, 2025, Khmer time: t.ly/-605P
- Cambodia unlocks new gates for investments in northeastern provinces
Cambodia has launched the Special Programme to Promote Investment in the Four Northeastern Provinces (SPIN Programme) 2025–2028, targeting Kratie, Stung Treng, Mondulkiri, and Ratanakiri as the country’s fifth economic hub. Officially announced by Prime Minister Hun Manet on April 9, 2025, the initiative seeks to attract investments in agriculture, agro-industry, and tourism, leveraging the region’s fertile land, cool climate, and rich natural resources.
The SPIN Programme lowers the minimum capital requirement to $100,000 and includes tax incentives, streamlined permits, and a dedicated SPIN Working Group for investor support. Projects in both qualified and general sectors are eligible for benefits.
The northeastern provinces already contribute significantly to national crop yields and possess strong ecotourism potential. Infrastructure developments, such as road upgrades and hydropower plants, are also helping transform the region.
Private sector leaders, including those from KFA Group and SAM SN Group, have praised the government’s strategic approach and see the programme as a long-term opportunity to balance regional development and expand Cambodia’s economy.
June 2nd, 2025, Khmer time: t.ly/BPclT
- ERIA Explores Model Special Economic Zones in Cambodia to Boost Investment
The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) has announced plans to help Cambodia establish model Special Economic Zones (SEZs) tailored to specific industries and countries of origin. This was revealed during a May 28–31, 2025 meeting in Tokyo between ERIA President Watanabe Tetsuya and Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The initiative follows a detailed feasibility study by ERIA, offering recommendations on how Cambodia can optimize SEZs to better attract foreign investment and promote industrial growth. Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed the findings and stressed the importance of such targeted zones for national economic development. He called for strong collaboration between ERIA and Cambodian institutions.
The plan complements a separate move by the Japan Development Institute (JDI) to establish rural SEZs in Cambodia. Together, these initiatives aim to enhance Cambodia’s investment appeal and create a more diversified, industry-specific economic landscape.
June 5 th, 2025, Construction Property: t.ly/XAQWl
- Cambodia welcomes investors interested in processing, packaging, and exporting to global markets
Cambodia is encouraging international investors to engage in processing, packaging, and exporting its high-quality agricultural products, such as rice, cashews, and pepper, known for their luxury and rich taste. Secretary of State Prak David made the appeal during a meeting with Claude Jentgen from Luxembourg’s Directorate for Development Cooperation.
David emphasized Cambodia’s favorable investment laws and supportive legal framework that offer various benefits to investors. He also requested Luxembourg’s support in strengthening Cambodia’s agricultural research, national food safety labs, aquaculture development, and human resource training.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening Cambodia–Luxembourg cooperation for mutual benefit.
June 5th, 2025, Khmer Time: t.ly/FaiRw
- Cambodia-China rice industry project launched in Kampong Chhnang
On June 3, 2025, Cambodia and China officially launched the Cambodia-China Guangxi Modern Rice Industry Cooperation Project in Kampong Chhnang province. Co-chaired by Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture and China’s Forword Agriculture Technology International Cooperation, the initiative aims to boost food security, increase agricultural efficiency, and raise farmers’ incomes by applying Chinese agricultural technology.
The two-year project (June 2025–June 2027) will begin with a 70-hectare rice industry cooperation zone, including model zones, training programs, and service centers for machinery, drying, and crop management. It is part of the broader Fisheries and Rice Corridor Cooperation between the two countries and targets surrounding provinces near Tonle Sap Lake as a model for future agricultural development.
June 5th, 2025, Khmer Time: t.ly/AoSQZ
- Cambodia, Japan agree to expand economic ties
On May 30, 2025, during Prime Minister Hun Manet’s official visit to Tokyo, Cambodia and Japan launched the Cambodia-Japan Economic Co-Creation Package to expand bilateral trade, investment, and industrial cooperation. The initiative includes improving Cambodia’s business environment, fostering public-private partnerships, and upgrading telecom infrastructure to enhance supply chain resilience and industrial capacity.
The two nations reaffirmed their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both leaders highlighting Japan’s long-standing support for Cambodia’s post-war development. Cambodia emphasized its liberal investment laws, openness to foreign investors, and efforts to attract Japanese companies. Bilateral trade reached $2.7 billion in 2024, with both governments aiming to further increase economic collaboration and investment momentum in sectors like automotive, electronics, and digital industries.
June 2nd, 2025, Khmer Time: t.ly/nEi8r
- IndiGo to launch direct flights to Siem Reap in July
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, will begin direct flights to Siem Reap, Cambodia, in July 2025 as part of a major global expansion that adds 10 new international destinations. CEO Pieter Elbers announced the move during a media briefing, highlighting Cambodia among key cities like Amsterdam, Manchester, and Copenhagen. The expansion will increase IndiGo’s overseas routes from 40 to 50 within a year.
The new route aims to boost tourism and strengthen air connectivity between India and Cambodia. Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to attract more Indian tourists to the Kingdom. The launch comes amid IndiGo’s broader strategy to target over 100 new routes in 2025 and introduce business class services on select international flights.
June 4th, 2025, Khmer Times: t.ly/PXYrN
- Canadian entrepreneurs urged to use Cambodia as a gateway to ASEAN
Cambodian officials urged Canadian entrepreneurs to view Cambodia as a strategic entry point into ASEAN markets during the “Cambodia-Canada Business Mission” held in Phnom Penh. Rath Saravuth, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce, highlighted Cambodia’s strong legal investment protections, preferential export access, competitive labor force, and ongoing logistics improvements as key advantages.
With Canadian direct investment in Cambodia reaching $2.9 billion and bilateral trade totaling $2.4 billion in 2024, Canada is now the fourth-largest market for Cambodian garments. Experts emphasized the need for targeted incentives to attract more Canadian firms, while also promoting economic resilience through market diversification. The event marked a step toward deepening economic collaboration and expanding business opportunities between the two nations.
June 3rd, 2025, Khmer Times: t.ly/dvDzQ
- Phnom Penh’s riverside walk street to be officially inaugurated following successful trial
On June 21, 2025, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will officially inaugurate Phnom Penh’s Walk Street following its highly successful trial period that began on February 1. The capital’s first and largest pedestrian street, stretching from the Cambodia Post Office to the Royal Palace, has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a vibrant mix of culinary options, souvenir stalls, and cultural performances. According to Phnom Penh Capital Administration spokesperson Dor Samphors, the street has consistently drawn large crowds due to its diverse entertainment and services. As a flagship tourism initiative, Walk Street aims to boost visitor numbers, create job opportunities, and elevate the city’s dynamic atmosphere—contributing to Cambodia’s broader economic and tourism growth.
June 3rd, 2025, Khmer Times: t.ly/06SHi
- South Korean opposition wins presidency after months of political chaos
On June 4, 2025, South Korea’s opposition candidate clinched a decisive victory in the presidential election, marking a major political shift after months of nationwide unrest and government scandal. The election followed intense public dissatisfaction over corruption allegations, policy failures, and widespread protests demanding accountability. The newly elected president, representing the Democratic Party, promised to restore trust in government, pursue political reform, and prioritize transparency and economic recovery. Observers view the outcome as a rebuke of the ruling party’s handling of recent crises, with analysts predicting significant changes in both domestic governance and foreign policy direction. The peaceful transition is seen as a reaffirmation of South Korea’s democratic resilience.
June 4th, 2025, BBC: t.ly/F8ekb