Sihanoukville (FN), Apr. 5 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet advised authorities to carefully consider which coastal islands should be designated for economic development and which should be reserved for national defence purposes.

The premier spoke on Saturday (Apr. 5) at the inauguration of Ream naval base and Cambodia-China Joint Logistics and Training Centre in Sihanoukville.

On that occasion, Samdech Thipadei recommended conducting a long-term defence study in Cambodia’s maritime area to identify strategic locations. These would then be discussed with the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) to distinguish between islands or coastal areas suitable for tourism and those required for national defence.

The premier noted that although immediate implementation may not be feasible, it is essential to preserve certain islands for national defence in anticipation of future requests from the private sector to invest in coastal or island-based resort developments.

“In the past, some companies were granted licences but did not proceed, so the CDC revoked them. Once revoked, others often applied for those same locations. We must now consider reserving these areas—where licences were withdrawn—for the navy, for our long-term defence base. Other areas can be allocated to investors or for citizens to reside in,” the premier underscored.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei explained that this approach must be comprehensive, balancing the needs of national defence with economic development and public benefit. Strategic land use planning, he said, is a necessary and urgent task.

Once again, the premier instructed the CDC to thoroughly review this matter and clearly designate coastal islands for national defence purposes and military use, ensuring such sites remain public property under the national defence sector.
=FRESH NEWS