Property News Roundup 12th January 2026
We’re delighted to share the weekly news highlights below:
1. Institutional investors key to Cambodia’s Securities market
Cambodia’s securities market needs institutional investors to thrive. These investors—such as banks, insurance companies, and pension funds—play a crucial role in stabilizing the market because they invest for the long term rather than speculating. Their involvement also builds confidence among other investors, making the market more attractive and reliable. Additionally, institutional investors help drive economic growth and financial innovation by channeling large-scale capital into productive sectors. The Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC) emphasizes these points in its Basic Market Guide, highlighting that attracting such investors is key to the market’s future development.
05 January 2026 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/2s3tm9bz
2. GDT goes AI, launches “Beauramei” to boost taxpayer services
Cambodia’s General Department of Taxation has launched Beauramei, an AI-powered chatbot to improve taxpayer services. It answers questions on tax laws, filing procedures, and required documents in Khmer, reducing the need for in-person visits and speeding up support. This initiative is part of the government’s digital transformation strategy to make tax services more efficient, transparent, and accessible, while encouraging voluntary compliance and boosting revenue collection.
05 January 2026 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/7kcafy57
3. Government postpones capital gain tax on real estate to 2027
Cambodia’s government has decided to delay the implementation of a capital gains tax on real estate until January 1, 2027, as announced by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. This postponement—approved in late December 2025—aims to alleviate additional financial pressure on buyers and sellers in a property market still recovering from pandemic-era challenges and regional tensions. Though the delay won’t significantly spur market activity, it prevents new burdens for participants, especially since the tax has never actually been enforced before. Taxes on gains from leases, investment assets, businesses, intellectual property, and foreign currency will still go into effect on January 1, 2026.
06 January 2026 | Source: Phnom Penh Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/4s2s2aea
4. Trade without Accountability: Why the US-Cambodia Tariff deals is important for Cambodian workers
The article highlights that the US-Cambodia tariff deal is significant because it allows Cambodian garment and footwear exports to enter the US market duty-free under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). This benefits Cambodian workers by supporting jobs and wages in the garment sector, which is a major part of the country’s economy. However, the piece also raises concerns about accountability and transparency in trade agreements, stressing that without proper oversight, workers may not fully benefit from these deals.
06 January 2026 | Source: Kirir Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/yex6jytx
5. Cambodia Earns $602.41 Million from export milled rice in 2025
Cambodia earned $602.41 million from exporting milled rice in 2025, according to official reports. This revenue came from shipping over 656,000 tons of rice to international markets, with China, France, and the Netherlands among the top buyers. The figure reflects the country’s strong agricultural performance and its continued push to expand rice exports globally.
08 January 2026 | Source: Kiri Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/9brvwpmm
6. Tighter monitoring of foreign residents to boost public safety
The article states that Cambodia will tighten monitoring of foreign residents to improve public safety. Authorities plan to strengthen registration and verification processes for foreigners living in the country, aiming to prevent illegal activities and ensure compliance with immigration laws. This move is part of broader efforts to maintain security and protect social order.
08 January 2026 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/4kr4r8w3
7. Poipet City roars back to life as people, business return
Poipet City is experiencing a strong revival as businesses and residents return, bringing back economic vibrancy. The reopening of casinos and the resumption of cross-border trade have been key drivers of this recovery, attracting workers and investors to the area. This resurgence marks a significant turnaround for the city after years of economic slowdown, signaling renewed confidence and growth opportunities for the region.
08 January 2026 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/mrxpf9en
- What Cambodia should prioritize in 2026
The article argues that Cambodia’s top priorities for 2026 should be rebuilding its economy and people after a year of border-related disruption, rather than focusing only on tech ambitions like 5G and AI. First, it calls for urgent economic reintegration of nearly one million displaced workers from Thailand through emergency vocational training, debt relief, and job-matching services. Second, it recommends addressing a $5 billion trade shortfall—caused by strained Thai relations—by expanding exports to markets like Japan, South Korea, and China, and strengthening domestic production of essentials. Lastly, it emphasizes the need for digital skills development to underpin Cambodia’s shift toward a high-tech, resilient economy.
09 January 2026 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/3kwmptkz
9. Asia-Pacific market mostly falls as Trump rattle defense firm and oil prices slide
Asia-Pacific markets mostly fell on January 8, following Wall Street’s decline amid geopolitical tensions and a drop in oil prices. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slid 1.63% as tech and materials stocks weakened, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 1.59% on similar sector pressures. South Korea’s Kospi was nearly flat, and Australia’s ASX 200 managed slight gains. Investor sentiment was dampened by uncertainty after former President Trump suggested Venezuela could send up to 50 million barrels of crude to the U.S., pushing oil prices lower and adding volatility to global markets.
09 January 2026 | Source: CNBC | Link: https://tinyurl.com/bd69kucc
10. Weak demand, rising costs drive 800 MSMEs in Khan Meanchey to close – CDRI
The article explains that around 800 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Khan Meanchey, Phnom Penh, closed in 2024 due to weak consumer demand and rising operational costs. According to a CDRI study, these closures were driven by reduced purchasing power, higher prices for raw materials, and increased competition, leaving many businesses unable to sustain operations. The report warns that without targeted support, more MSMEs could face similar challenges, threatening local employment and economic stability.
09 Januray 2026 | Source: Kiri Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/s2fvue2j