Cambodia Investment Review
Over the past two decades, Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) has played a pivotal role in reshaping Phnom Penh’s urban landscape, with major contributions to the city’s public infrastructure development. Under the leadership of Lok Neak Oknha Dr. Pung Kheav Se, OCIC has delivered projects that have significantly improved connectivity, eased congestion, and laid the groundwork for Cambodia’s broader economic growth.
From flyovers and bridges to large-scale road networks and urban linkages, OCIC’s infrastructure initiatives are helping to define a more connected, accessible, and sustainable Phnom Penh.
Strengthening Urban Mobility Through Bridges and Flyovers
A cornerstone of OCIC’s contribution to Phnom Penh’s public infrastructure has been the development of key transportation links across the city. Over the years, the company has constructed eight flyovers and three major bridges, which now represent nearly 80% of the capital’s elevated road and bridge infrastructure.
These projects have been critical in reducing traffic bottlenecks, particularly in areas experiencing rapid residential and commercial growth. The bridges over the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers, in particular, have provided vital links between Phnom Penh’s expanding districts and the city center, supporting not only commuter traffic but also the movement of goods and services.
By improving urban mobility, OCIC’s infrastructure developments have helped unlock new areas for investment, housing, and economic activity, contributing directly to Phnom Penh’s rapid urban expansion.
Integrating Infrastructure with Urban Development
OCIC’s public infrastructure projects have been strategically integrated with its broader real estate developments, ensuring that new residential and commercial areas are well-connected to the wider city.
Projects such as Koh Pich, Chroy Changvar Satellite City, Olympia City, and the emerging Norea City have all benefited from purpose-built roads, access points, and bridges designed by OCIC to accommodate future growth. This integrated approach has allowed for more cohesive urban planning, avoiding some of the congestion challenges faced by other rapidly growing cities in the region.
For example, the Chroy Changvar Bridge and associated flyovers have been instrumental in supporting the development of the Chroy Changvar Satellite City, which has become a growing residential and business hub. Similarly, the Norea City development has been complemented by new infrastructure links that ensure easy access to and from Phnom Penh’s main urban areas.
Enabling Major Events and Regional Connectivity
Beyond daily urban mobility, OCIC’s infrastructure projects have also positioned Phnom Penh to host major regional and international events. The construction of the Chroy Changvar Exhibition Halls, supported by surrounding infrastructure, enabled Cambodia to successfully host the ASEAN Summit in 2022.
The summit welcomed high-profile figures such as former U.S. President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, showcasing Cambodia’s capacity to facilitate large-scale international gatherings. Such events bring immediate economic benefits and longer-term visibility for Phnom Penh as an emerging regional center for business and diplomacy.
This connectivity also supports growing tourism, business travel, and regional logistics—sectors critical to Cambodia’s ongoing development.
Visionary Leadership Behind Infrastructure Expansion
The progress achieved by OCIC in public infrastructure is a direct reflection of the leadership vision of Lok Neak Oknha Dr. Pung Kheav Se. Since founding Canadia Bank in the early 1990s and later establishing OCIC in 2000, Dr. Pung has consistently advocated for infrastructure investment as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.
“Every project we undertake is a step toward a stronger, more connected Cambodia,” Dr. Pung has stated, underscoring the long-term national impact of OCIC’s development philosophy.
As noted by Thierry Tea, OCIC’s Vice President, Dr. Pung’s approach is characterized by the ability to manage multiple major projects simultaneously while maintaining a focus on quality, innovation, and strategic vision. His leadership continues to drive the organization’s commitment to public infrastructure as a foundation for Cambodia’s future competitiveness.
Future Outlook: Building the Next Generation of Urban Infrastructure
Looking ahead, OCIC’s role in Cambodia’s infrastructure landscape is set to expand further. Projects like Techo International Airport, which is nearing completion, represent the next chapter of large-scale infrastructure development that will underpin Cambodia’s ambitions for greater regional integration and economic diversification.
As Phnom Penh continues to grow, the demand for modern, resilient infrastructure will only increase. OCIC’s track record of delivering major infrastructure projects—alongside its broader real estate and urban planning initiatives—positions the company as a key partner in Cambodia’s ongoing urban and economic transformation.
With a focus on connectivity, innovation, and integrated development, OCIC’s infrastructure legacy is helping to build not just a better city, but a stronger nation.
