Cambodia: Sihanoukville to become a green, smart city, trade and finance hub by 2038

The government is currently finalising the development masterplan for Preah Sihanouk province, which will transform it into a green, smart city, trade and finance hub by 2038.

The final version of the master plan is still in development, but it is currently being reviewed and discussed by members of an inter-ministerial coordinating committee, led by Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth

The committee convened for the third time on 9 July, as stated in a press release from the Ministry of Finance. The release stated that the master plan to transform the province into a "Model Multi-Purpose Special Economic Zone" is scheduled for submission to the government for approval in the near future.

The master plan is designed to serve as a compass, guiding the province’s development into an important economic pole that will boost economic growth, ensure sustainable social development and protect the environment.

The plan will see Preah Sihanouk become Cambodia's international gateway, with the establishment of multi-modal and logistics centres, business centres and international financial centres. Furthermore, the province will become a national development pole with global tourism destinations, including world-class beaches and archipelagos. Furthermore, the province is envisioned as a national hub for industrial development and technological innovation.

To achieve this vision, the master plan is divided into two phases. The first, set to run from 2025 to 2028, will focus on the province’s integration into regional trading systems. The second, from 2029 to 2038, will focus on strengthening the province as a national gateway and regional hub in the areas of finance and trade, as well as a smart, high-income green city.