Cambodia Investment Review
Phnom Penh’s real estate and construction leaders gathered last week to confront one of the country’s most pressing development challenges — making affordable housing accessible and sustainable for Cambodian families.
Organized by EuroCham Cambodia Real Estate & Construction Committee, the sold-out workshop, “Unlocking Affordable Housing in Cambodia: Challenges and Opportunities,” brought together senior government officials, private developers, and international financial institutions at Tribe Phnom Penh for a frank discussion on how policy, finance, and innovation can bridge Cambodia’s housing gap.
Laying the Foundation for Inclusive Growth
In opening remarks, Michel Cassagnes, Chairman of EuroCham’s Real Estate & Construction Committee and Regional Managing Director of Archetype Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam, underscored that affordable housing must be a cornerstone of Cambodia’s long-term social and economic development strategy.
Echoing this, Sok Sam On, Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, outlined the government’s initiatives to ensure adequate housing for low- and middle-income households. He pointed to regulatory reforms and land policy updates designed to create a more enabling environment for developers and homebuyers.
Policy Meets Practice
Heng Salpiseth, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Public-Private Partnership at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, presented details of the National Program for the Development of Affordable Housing, emphasizing government incentives to stimulate private investment in the sector.
From the private sector, Yuk Sothirith, General Manager of WorldBridge Homes, shared insights on how developers can deliver affordable housing projects that remain financially viable. He highlighted the need for clear policies, accessible financing, and collaboration with the public sector.
Adding an international perspective, Dourng Kakada, Country Advisory and Economics Lead for Cambodia at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), emphasized that green financing and sustainable design can enhance both profitability and resilience in affordable housing. “Sustainability and affordability are not mutually exclusive,” he noted, urging a shift toward innovative financing and construction models.
Collaboration as the Cornerstone
A lively panel discussion moderated by Martin Aerne, Founding Director of Aerne Architects & Associates, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Land Management, IFC, WorldBridge Homes, and Future Architecture. Panelists agreed that collaboration between government, developers, and financial institutions is vital to scaling up housing supply and achieving sustainability goals.
EuroCham Chairperson Gabriele Faja described the session as a significant milestone in aligning stakeholders behind a shared vision.
“This workshop brought together key stakeholders from government, private developers, and international partners to discuss one of the nation’s most critical urban challenges,” he said. “It helped establish a clear framework for building a sustainable and inclusive housing future — one that bridges the gap between policy and implementation.”
The event concluded with an open Q&A session and networking reception, allowing participants to deepen partnerships and explore project collaborations.
EuroCham’s Role in Building Cambodia’s Future
EuroCham Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to fostering dialogue between the public and private sectors to create livable, inclusive, and sustainable cities. Through its Real Estate & Construction Committee, the chamber will continue advocating for policies that promote investment, sustainability, and equitable access to housing.
Since its establishment in 2011, EuroCham has grown to over 400 members across 23 European countries, representing a diverse cross-section of industries. Its mission remains centered on strengthening Cambodia–EU business relations, promoting investment, and supporting sustainable economic development.
