THE number of construction companies seeking building licences in Cambodia during the first six months of the year has risen by 12.5 percent, with more approvals granted for small-scale projects.

A total of 81 firms received construction licences in the six months to June 30, compared with 72 in 2009, according to the Ministry of Land Management Urban Planning and Construction yesterday.

Construction department director, Lao Tip Seiha, said that the increase reflected a sector upturn. He said the value of construction for projects less than 3,000 square metres in size also rose.

While 1,049 were approved this half, worth US$147 million. Last year, 1,080 projects worth $127 million were approved.

But National Valuers Association of Cambodia President Sung Bonna said some larger developments had been delayed.

“A lot of small projects increased. I think this will continue to increase for the rest of this year,” he added.