(Sihanoukville): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) in Preah Sihanouk Province possesses distinctive features that set it apart from other economic zones in the country.

The premier spoke on Thursday (May 22) during his meeting with more than 30,000 workers in the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone.

“As a unique feature, the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone stands out among Cambodia’s other zones. It has been recognised, supported, and continuously developed through agreements and strengthened cooperation between the Cambodian and Chinese governments—beginning with its establishment in 2008, particularly through the joint implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative,” the premier underscored.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet recalled that during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first state visit to Cambodia in October 2016, he pledged to encourage prominent Chinese enterprises to invest in and cooperate with the SSEZ.

The premier further noted that, at the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing in 2019, Samdech Techo Hun Sen reaffirmed that the successful development of the SSEZ represents tangible outcomes of the Belt and Road Initiative between Cambodia and China.

Samdech Thipadei reiterated that Cambodia does not discriminate against investors based on their country of origin, and welcomes investment from all nations, including China, the US, and others.

Prime Minister Hun Manet remarked that former battlefields in Cambodia have been transformed into zones of economic activity and development as a result of the Royal Government’s effective policies. The country is now prioritising improvements in infrastructure connectivity—such as roads, railways, and waterways—to better support logistics and the transportation of goods to Preah Sihanouk Province.

The premier highlighted that the number of factories and enterprises in Preah Sihanouk Province has grown significantly—from 69 enterprises employing 10,619 workers in 2008 to 3,833 enterprises employing 115,854 workers as of April 2025, with a combined annual wage bill of approximately USD 359 million.

Additionally, within the five special economic zones located in the province, there are currently 327 enterprises employing 46,750 workers, with an estimated total annual wage bill of around USD 150 million.
=FRESH NEWS