Cambodia Advances One-Stop Investment Reforms Amid Continued Dominance of Chinese Capital

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 3, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia is moving to streamline investment procedures through a strengthened One‑Stop Service mechanism, as China continues to rank as the country’s largest source of foreign capital, officials said Thursday. Deputy Prime Minister and Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) First Vice Chairman Sun Chanthol and Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin co‑presided over the second Cambodia–China State‑Private Dialogue, attended by government institutions, Chinese companies and business associations. Chanthol said the CDC is undertaking reforms to improve its effectiveness in attracting and facilitating investment, particularly from Chinese businesses. A key measure is the development of a One‑Stop Service under which the CDC would coordinate directly with ministries and institutions to secure licenses and permits on behalf of investors, reducing administrative burdens and eliminating the need to visit multiple agencies. The mechanism is designed to simplify procedures, provide more efficient services and strengthen investor confidence. During the dialogue, Chinese companies raised operational challenges and specific requests, which were addressed by relevant Cambodian ministries. Wang said the dialogue represents a practical mechanism for strengthening bilateral investment cooperation and building what he called the Cambodia–China Community with a Shared Future in the New Era. He urged further simplification of taxation and customs procedures and encouraged greater cooperation in infrastructure, advanced processing industries, modern agriculture, the digital economy and green energy. CDC data showed China remained Cambodia’s largest foreign investor in the first half of 2026, accounting for 35.7% of $4.7 billion in approved investment capital. Wang also called for a shift from investment “quantity” toward “quality,” aligning future projects with Cambodia’s long‑term development objectives.