(Takeo): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet revealed that over the past year, he has approved two or three special economic zones (SEZs) for the establishment of factories in Kampot Province, with a major company already investing and opening two factories in Cambodia.
The premier spoke on Tuesday (Apr. 29) at the inauguration ceremony for the official use of National Roads No. 31, No. 33, and No. 41, held in Takeo Province.
Samdech Thipadei highlighted that developing infrastructure in the southwestern provinces is crucial for strengthening economically strategic areas and unlocking their practical potential. He noted that both past and future investments in the development of Sihanoukville and other coastal provinces—guided by a master plan—are already underway. This year, Cambodia has taken its first step toward promoting Sihanoukville as a hub for industrialisation and logistics, with the aim of creating more jobs.
“But not only in Sihanoukville—last year, I signed two or three special economic zones in Kampot Province, which shows that Kampot is growing not only as a tourism destination, but also as an emerging industrial hub. We are currently studying the construction of a deep-water port and planning to invest billions of dollars to build an ecosystem for factory development. Although I cannot yet reveal full details, negotiations are ongoing,” the premier underscored.
Samdech Thipadei further explained that discussions with investors aim to facilitate the use of Kampot’s deep-water port to support production within Cambodia. So far, two or three factories have already invested nearly USD 1 billion in the area.
The premier added that, in addition to existing investments, investors are considering further expansion of their factories in Kampot to capitalise on Cambodia’s untapped potential. Although no new commitments have been made, the company has already established two factories in Cambodia to export products to the European market, with a total investment of nearly USD 1 billion.
Samdech Thipadei noted that, thanks to the construction of national roads connecting the southwest, the authorisation of SEZs in Kampot, and the planned Funan Techo Canal, Takeo Province could soon shift from being known for lobsters and duck eggs to becoming an exporter of industrial and manufactured goods.
On the occasion, the premier also compared the development of Cambodia’s economic network to the circulation of blood in the human body, stressing that growth must reach every province—not just Phnom Penh—for the country to prosper.
Samdech Thipadei noted that the Royal Government’s priority policies for both domestic and foreign investors have led to a significant increase in direct investment over the past year. Over the last four decades, Cambodia has made substantial progress across all sectors—not only in the capital but in provinces nationwide—with improvements in infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and citizens’ living standards.
=FRESH NEWS
