Property News Roundup 4th August 2025

We’re delighted to share the weekly news highlights below.

1. Qatari Company Aims to Boost Cambodia’s Tourism through Infrastructure Investments

AI Mansour Asia, a major Qatari investment firm, plans to invest heavily in Cambodia’s infrastructure to boost tourism. In a meeting with Cambodian officials, the firm expressed interest in developing hotels, airports, entertainment venues, and islands, as well as investing in agriculture, industry, and logistics. Cambodia’s leaders welcomed the initiative and suggested focusing on food processing and rice exports to meet demand in the Middle East. This collaboration aims to strengthen economic ties and support Cambodia’s growth as a tourism and investment hub.

28 July, 2025 | Source: Construction & Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/m657h3hk

2. Ceasefire breakthrough: Cambodia and Thailand agree to stop fighting after Malaysia peace talks

After five days of deadly clashes, Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire during peace talks in Malaysia. The meeting, chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and supported by the U.S. and China, brought together Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. A joint statement confirmed both sides’ commitment to stopping the conflict and restoring peace along their border.

29 July, 2025 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/2zackyvx

3. Thai Airways cuts flights citing temporarily low demand

Thai Airways has temporarily reduced its daily flights between Cambodia and Thailand from two to one due to a drop in passenger numbers. Cambodian aviation officials view this as a chance for local airlines to strengthen their position on key routes like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to Bangkok. While the decline in Thai tourists is partly due to tighter border controls, other airlines continue normal operations, and authorities remain optimistic that passenger traffic will rebound soon.

29 July, 2025 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/4usk26d5

4. Chinese delegation explores investment opportunities in Cambodia

A Chinese investor delegation from Guangxi province met with the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) to explore investment opportunities, focusing on technology and agriculture, especially fruit exports. The meeting highlighted Cambodia’s appeal due to political stability, favorable trade agreements like RCEP and the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement, and strong Cambodia-China ties. China remains Cambodia’s top investor, accounting for 56% of total investment in the first half of 2025. The CCC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting foreign investors and strengthening economic cooperation with China.

29 July, 2025 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/4m839vyc

5. China’s super-rich investors eye Shanghai hotels for scarcity value, tourism appe

Wealthy Chinese individuals are showing strong interest in buying luxury hotels in prime areas of Shanghai, even as traditional institutional investors remain cautious due to low returns and market oversupply concerns. According to JLL, this shift reflects renewed confidence and recognition of the long-term value of rare, centrally located properties. Despite a nearly 30% drop in overall property transaction value in the first half of the year, high-net-worth individuals and corporate buyers accounted for most hotel deals. Unique, culturally rich hotels are particularly attractive to young, affluent Chinese travelers who prioritize emotional and memorable experiences.

29 July, 2025 | Source: South China Morning Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/27bmrftm

6. Funan Techo Canal Construction Set to Begin during the low water season this year

Construction of the long-awaited 180-kilometer Funan Techo Canal is set to officially begin at the end of 2025 during the low water season. Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol announced that all land boundary marking across four provinces—Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep—is now fully completed, with 1,920 markers installed. The canal aims to boost Cambodia’s maritime transport capacity by accommodating ships up to 3,000 DWT. Machinery will begin mobilizing once compensation issues with affected citizens are resolved, signaling steady progress on this major infrastructure project.

30 July, 2025 | Source: Construction & Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/2fbt7s58

7. Ninh Binh Plans Major International Airport to Boost Tourism

Ninh Binh province in northern Vietnam plans to build a 720-hectare international airport to support its rapidly growing tourism sector. The proposed airport, located in Liem Tuyen ward, will handle up to 10 million passengers annually and accommodate large aircraft like the Boeing 787. Aimed at boosting economic and tourism development, the project will also ease congestion at nearby airports.

30 July, 2025 | Source: Construction & Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/sw63zedx

8. S. Slashes Tariffs on Cambodian Goods from 36% to 19%

The U.S. has reduced import tariffs on Cambodian goods from 36% to 19%, starting August 1, 2025. This change also applies to Thailand and brings both countries in line with others like Indonesia and Malaysia under a uniform 19% rate. The U.S. is a key trade partner for Cambodia, which exported over $8 billion there in 2024—mostly garments. The previous high tariff had raised fears of job losses, so this reduction is seen as a major relief for Cambodia’s export sector.

01 August, 2025 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/4xu22trx

9. Government Introduces 20% Capital Gains Tax Effective January 1, 2026

The Cambodian Ministry of Economy and Finance has announced a new 20% capital gains tax, effective January 1, 2026, under Prakas No. 496. This tax will apply to profits from selling or transferring assets like real estate, leases, investments, business reputation, intellectual property, and foreign currency. Gains from most assets will be taxed starting September 1, 2025, while real estate gains will be taxed from January 1, 2026. Certain exemptions apply, such as family transfers and agricultural land. Taxpayers can choose between two calculation methods and are advised to review the new rules carefully.

01 August, 2025 | Source: Construction & Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/mpf93zde

10. Cambodia’s Industrial Surge: Factories Flourish and Exports Soar

Cambodia has seen steady growth in its factory and enterprise numbers, reaching 45,656 by mid-2025, up from 44,798 in 2024. The garment sector, a key part of the economy, added 116 new factories, while non-garment factories increased by 742. Nearly 1 million workers, mostly women, are employed in the garment, footwear, and travel goods industries. Exports from this sector hit $7.38 billion in the first half of 2025, up 22% from last year, while raw material imports rose 21%. These trends highlight Cambodia’s strengthening role in global trade and a positive economic outlook.

01 August, 2025 | Source: Construction & Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/mr3ywxdr