Cambodia to Develop Northeast as Fourth Economic Hub, Hun Sen Eyes Agro-Industry and Mining

Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has stated that the northeastern region of the country will be developed into a fourth economic hub, with a focus on agro-industry and mining. This initiative is expected to contribute to achieving Cambodia's vision of becoming a high-income country by 2050. Samdech Techo Hun Sen made these remarks on the morning of July 8, 2026, during a meeting with 785 provincial council members and leaders of various departments in Ratanakiri province, held in Banlung city. He expressed high praise and appreciation for the provincial leadership, civil servants, and local working groups for their past efforts. He reminded all civil servants, especially commune and village council members, to continue diligently fulfilling their duties to serve the nation and its people, emphasizing the need for prompt, efficient, and effective delivery of essential services to citizens. Samdech Techo also urged and supported the strengthening of tax collection and customs efficiency, along with strict measures to prevent tax evasion and undeclared business activities, in order to increase national revenue. Concurrently, Samdech Techo, the Senate President, reminded all officials to maintain national stability and pay close attention to social security and order by continuing to implement the "Safe Village, Commune, and District" policy. This includes cracking down on various offenses such as snatch theft, robbery, drug trafficking, and technological crimes. Samdech Techo also urged all levels of authorities to continue paying attention to the welfare of veterans and pensioners, recognizing their significant contributions to national development. He stressed the importance of visiting and organizing events for them to prevent feelings of isolation. Furthermore, he instructed all levels of authorities and relevant institutions to give high priority to the well-being and livelihoods of fallen soldiers, disabled soldiers, and their families. He emphasized that the management and care of veterans should be in-depth, encouraging their children to pursue higher education and become intellectuals as a way to repay their immense sacrifices for the nation. On this occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen also called on all levels of authorities to strengthen the protection, conservation, and prevention of all natural resource offenses. He requested the Ratanakiri provincial authorities to enhance border cooperation with Vietnam and Laos, ensuring that the borders of the three countries remain borders of peace and cooperation, particularly to further improve economic and trade relations between them. According to a report by His Excellency Nhem Samoeun, Governor of Ratanakiri Province, Ratanakiri province is located in the northeast of Cambodia, 588 kilometers from Phnom Penh. It has a total area of 10,782 square kilometers, comprising one city, eight districts, 46 communes, four sub-communes, and 243 villages. The province borders Stung Treng province to the west, Gia Lai and Quang Ngai provinces of Vietnam to the east, Attapeu province of Laos to the north, and Mondulkiri province to the south. The province has one international border crossing, the O'Yadaw International Border Checkpoint. His Excellency added that under the leadership of the government from previous mandates to the current one, the province has seen continuous development. Ratanakiri province has nine large factories, including five rubber processing factories, two banana processing factories, one rubber and fruit processing factory, and one cassava processing factory. The province also has companies engaged in mining, such as two gold mining industries, ten stone quarrying businesses, three construction stone businesses, and eight sand and construction businesses. It should be noted that this is the 18th mission and the 21st province/city visit by Samdech Techo to meet with leaders and officials from various ministries and institutions across the provinces. The purpose is to strengthen accountability between the Senate and the electorate for transparency, as well as to promote greater efficiency in local work. Additionally, it aims to foster closer relationships with local authorities and to remind local officials to increase their attention to their duties and to provide better public services to the people. By: Chim Nary © All rights reserved by Agence Kampuchea Presse 2018