Cambodia - តំបន់នេសាទនៃសេដ្ឋកិច្ចពិតប្រាក់កំពុងត្រូវបានធ្វើជាភូមិសាស្រ្តសហគមន៍
The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) is a joint venture between Cambodian and Chinese private enterprises, positioned as a multinational investment platform. Spanning an area of 11.13 square kilometers, the SSEZ is designed to host a variety of industries. The initial phase targets textiles, garments, luggage, leather goods, and wood products, while the subsequent phase aims to draw in hardware machinery, building materials, home furnishings, auto parts, photovoltaic materials, and fine chemicals. When fully operational, the SSEZ is expected to house around 300 enterprises and provide jobs for 80,000 to 100,000 industrial workers.
Location and Infrastructure at Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone
Placed in Prey Nob District, Sihanouk Province, the SSEZ benefits from proximity to key transportation hubs. It is approximately 17 km from Sihanouk City and 12 km from the Sihanoukville International Deep Water Port and a nearby railway station. The SSEZ is also just 3 km from Sihanoukville International Airport. This location provides accessible land, sea, and air transport links, which are significant location advantages for businesses operating within the zone.
To date, the SSEZ has completed infrastructure covering a 6 km² area, including roads, water supply, electricity provision, and drainage systems. The zone features comprehensive service facilities, such as multi-functional office spaces, staff apartments, neighborhood centers, and a community healthcare center, creating an environment conducive to business operations.
Economic Impact and Development of Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone
In 2023, the SSEZ’s import and export volume reached $3.36 billion, accounting for about 7.18 percent of Cambodia’s total trade volume. The SSEZ has become a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and is considered the largest industrial zone in Cambodia in terms of size and occupancy.
The zone has attracted 180 enterprises from various global regions, creating nearly 30,000 jobs. It has developed into a major production base, particularly for Chinese manufacturers, reflecting a synergy with the development priorities of the Chinese government to offshore lower-tech production.
The SSEZ, operational since approval in 2006, is developed by a joint venture involving the Jiangsu-based Hongdou Group and a Cambodian conglomerate. The zone has also established a 100 MW coal power plant to ensure a reliable energy supply, financed by a loan from ICBC Phnom Penh.
The SSEZ’s establishment and growth have aligned with the development strategies of Cambodia and China, embodying a model BRI investment since its inception prior to the official launch of the BRI. The zone’s development has been a priority for both governments, demonstrating a commitment to fostering economic growth through specialized industrial zones.