Cambodia Pushes for Industrial Zone and Factory Establishment in Sihanoukville, Land Issues Take Center Stage

Cambodia's Investment Promotion Special Working Group has convened to discuss investment proposals for establishing SME clusters and factories in three areas of Sihanoukville Province: Kampong Som City, Prey Nob District, and Stueng Hav District. The meeting, held on September 1, 2026, at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction; the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; the Sihanoukville Provincial Administration; and other relevant technical officials. The discussions primarily focused on land issues and the actual land occupation status at the proposed investment sites. The meeting provided input on legal aspects, land management procedures, and the complexities of actual land occupation at these locations, aiming to form a comprehensive and coherent basis for evaluating the proposals. Consideration was also given to the companies' requests for special facilitation and incentives from the government. Following the deliberations, H.E. Dr. Hang Sichib, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Working Group for Investment Promotion in Sihanoukville Province, highly praised the investment project for its potential to contribute to the local economic growth of Sihanoukville Province. However, due to the significant uncertainties surrounding land occupation, the working group instructed its secretariat to continue close cooperation with relevant ministries, institutions, and the provincial administration. The directive emphasizes the need for thorough study and facilitation of solutions in accordance with laws and procedures before any decision is made regarding preferential treatment and incentives. This initiative underscores Cambodia's commitment to industrial development and economic expansion, with the resolution of land-related challenges being crucial for the project's successful implementation. Source: AKP Khmer