Cambodia and China discuss major infrastructure and investment projects during high-level talks in Beijing
Cambodia and China discuss major infrastructure and investment projects during high-level talks in Beijing
Beijing, China – September 16, 2025 – Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia and Co-Chairman of the Cambodia–China Intergovernmental Coordination Committee, held official talks on Tuesday with H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China.
The Cambodian delegation included Ambassador to China Soeung Rathchavy, Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul, Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea, Secretary-General of the Council for the Development of Cambodia Kong Vibol, Secretary of State for Economy and Finance Meas Soksensan, Secretary of State for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Prak David, along with other senior Cambodian officials.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed key areas of cooperation under existing agreements and the Cambodia–China Free Trade Agreement. Discussions focused on advancing projects in infrastructure, investment, trade, agriculture, industry, health, culture, and technology.
Notable projects highlighted included the Funan Techo Canal Project, the upgrade of National Road 3 linking Kampot and Veal Renh, construction of a section of National Road 7 from Romiet to Trapeang Kriel, a modern wastewater treatment system in Preah Sihanouk Province, expansion of Cambodian exports to China under the free trade agreement, and the development of Fish and Rice Corridors.
Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol expressed deep gratitude to H.E. Wang Yi for his warm welcome, noting the significance of this meeting as Wang had just returned from an official visit to Europe. He said the reception reflected both the strong personal friendship between the two leaders and the enduring “ironclad” ties between Cambodia and China.
H.E. Sun Chanthol also congratulated China on the successful hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit and the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Chinese people’s victory against invasion and fascism in World War II.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of their “Diamond Cooperation,” which continues to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance the building of a community with a shared future.
The Deputy Prime Minister praised China’s unwavering support for Cambodia’s socio-economic development. He highlighted that Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) in Cambodia has surged from less than USD 500 million in 2012 to around USD 3.4 billion in 2024. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have played a crucial role in attracting this investment, particularly from China.
Currently, Cambodia has approved 57 Special Economic Zones, 11 of which are Chinese-owned. Between 2020 and July 2025, approximately 400 investment projects were launched in these zones. In the first eight months of 2025 alone, the Council for the Development of Cambodia approved 491 new investment projects, reflecting strong momentum in Cambodia’s investment climate.
