Cambodia's Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) identifies a financing requirement of USD 32.2 billion for 2026-2035 to deliver its mitigation and adaptation targets, underscoring the scale of investment needed to achieve the country's climate ambitions and net-zero vision by 2050. Meeting these targets will require translating policy commitments into bankable, investment-ready projects, particularly beyond traditional infrastructure.
The new joint report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC), titled Building Bankable Green Project Pipelines in the Non-Infrastructure Sectors of Cambodia, provides a detailed roadmap to make this happen. Drawing on consultations with financial institutions, government bodies, and development partners, the report identifies 20 policy and regulatory recommendations to strengthen Cambodia's ability to attract and manage climate-aligned investment.
The report highlights significant opportunities to scale green finance in non-infrastructure sectors such as sustainable agribusiness, energy efficiency, circular production, and resource management. Strengthening domestic capital markets, enhancing ESG disclosures, and developing a national green taxonomy will be key to mobilizing finance for these sectors and advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"As the national regulator of Cambodia's securities market, the SERC has committed to drive the Cambodia's sustainable finance agenda forward. In close collaboration with ESCAP and development partners, the SERC will work with related ministries, financial institutions and investors to translate the report's findings into coordinated action. Meanwhile, the recommendations outlined will inform a broader national effort to strengthen green market infrastructure, improve access to finance, and promote investment aligned with Cambodia's climate priorities." said H.E. Sou Socheat, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Director General of the SERC.
"Cambodia stands at a pivotal moment in turning its climate commitments into concrete investment opportunities. This report, developed in collaboration with SERC, reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the enabling environment for sustainable finance. By connecting national climate priorities with bankable project pipelines, Cambodia can unlock green investment that builds resilience and drives long-term economic transformation," said Hamza Ali Malik, Director of the Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, ESCAP.
