CDC pushes forward on SEZ development initiative

CDC pushes forward on SEZ development initiative

SEZs are strategically developed across the country to create hubs for industrial and export-oriented growth.

The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) held a high-level discussion on Thursday, led by Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the CDC, Sun Chanthol, to assess the progress of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development and explore the direction for further industrial expansion, including the initiative to create a concentrated industrial zone.

The meeting brought together senior government officials—including Secretaries of State, Directors General, and representatives from relevant ministries and institutions—alongside tycoons and a number of SEZ developers.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Chanthol expressed appreciation for the presence of private sector representatives, stating that their participation reflects a strong commitment to support the Royal Government in developing Cambodia’s economy and society.

He also commended the efforts of SEZ developers who have continued to push forward with their investment projects and contribute to attracting further investment into the country.

Chea Vuthy, Secretary General of the Cambodian Investment Board (CIB) under the CDC, gave a presentation on the current state of SEZ development. He reported that by the end of the first half of 2025, Cambodia’s SEZs had attracted 960 investment projects, with a combined investment capital of approximately $12.6 billion and the creation of more than 200,000 jobs.

He emphasized that, “SEZs have become an important mechanism for absorbing investment in new industries, playing a key role in supporting economic growth.”

During the meeting, Chea Kok Hong, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Policy at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, provided an overview of the Integrated Industrial Initiative—a strategic direction laid out at the highest level by the Prime Minister. The initiative aims to strengthen industrial concentration and better align infrastructure and policy planning with the needs of emerging industries.

In his closing remarks, Sun Chanthol thanked all participants for their input and emphasized the importance of improving Cambodia’s investment environment to attract new industries with high added value.

Speaking to Khmer Times, Lor Vichet, Vice President of the Cambodia Chinese Commerce Association (CCCA), highlighted the government’s policy to promote investment in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), encouraging both domestic and foreign investors to establish factories and industries within these designated areas.

He noted that SEZs have been strategically developed across the country, including in Phnom Penh, Bavet, Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, and other key locations, to create hubs for industrial and export-oriented growth.

Vichet emphasised that SEZs offer comprehensive infrastructure support—such as reliable access to water, electricity, roads, and a ready labour force—which helps streamline operations for investors. He added that these zones are designed to provide a competitive advantage through simplified procedures and logistics connectivity.

“SEZs are aligned with the Royal Government’s policy to transform the economic landscape by attracting investment and driving industrialisation,” Vichet said.

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have been established across the Kingdom to offer investors a comprehensive ‘one-stop’ service for import and export processes, significantly streamlining trade operations.

These zones have become key drivers of Cambodia’s economic growth, serving as vital industrial hubs that support investment and job creation.

Increasingly, SEZs are being integrated with major transport corridors, further enhancing connectivity and positioning Cambodia as a competitive destination for regional and global trade.

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