Sihanoukville is no longer a city in waiting; it is a city in motion. After a period of unprecedented transformation, Cambodia’s primary coastal city has emerged as a sophisticated multi-purpose economic zone, offering a unique blend of industrial power, logistical superiority, and high-end tourism potential.

The “new” Sihanoukville is defined by its maturity. Through a massive state-led investment in 34 major inner-city roads and world-class drainage systems, the city has laid the physical foundation required for long-term, stable international business.

A Strategic Global Gateway At the heart of this transformation is the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. As Cambodia’s only deep-sea port, it is currently undergoing a multi-phase expansion to accommodate larger vessels from around the globe. This makes the city the indispensable gateway for the country’s trade, positioning Sihanoukville as a critical node in regional supply chains.

Footage video: Welcome To Cambodia Channel

The post The Coastal Engine: Sihanoukville Reinvents Itself as Cambodia’s Premier Investment Hub first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

According to an MPWT’s statement issued on Feb, 25, the Royal Government plans to implement the project through a public-private partnership (PPP) model covering design, construction, financing, operations and maintenance.

The Royal Government has appointed the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as lead transaction advisor to structure and implement the project.

The proposed facility, to be located in Sihanoukville, forms part of the country’s broader strategy to enhance trade competitiveness and economic diversification under national industrial and logistics development policies.

As planned, it will be linked to the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port and is expected to provide integrated, value-added logistics services for cargo moving through the port, with long-term plans to connect to a wider national network of logistics hubs.

Interested sponsors are required to submit documentation outlining their experience, company profile and relevant projects by March 2026. Submissions must be made electronically via email.

MPWT emphasised that the request for expressions of interest does not constitute the launch of a formal tender under Cambodia’s PPP law but serves as an initial step to gauge market interest, with the government retaining discretion over future participation.

The post MPWT Seeks Potential Investors for Sihanoukville Logistics Complex first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

According to the Ministry’s announcement issued on Jan. 19, the terminal development will take place in three phases between 2023 and 2030, funded through concessional loans from the Japanese government.

Once completed, the upgraded port will be able to accommodate container vessels of up to 160,000 deadweight tons (15,000 TEUs), allowing direct international shipping without depth limitations.

The MLMUPC highlighted that a dedicated working group, in coordination with the Sihanoukville Provincial Administration, has been assigned to inspect, measure, and identify residents and structures within the development area.

The deep-water terminal is part of Cambodia’s broader strategy to enhance port capacity, boost international trade, and position Sihanoukville as a key logistics hub in Southeast Asia.

The post MLMUPC Outlines Sihanoukville Port Expansion Project first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

Prime Minister delivered his remarks in Preah Sihanouk province while co-presiding over a ceremony alongside H.E. Xu Kunlin, Governor of China’s Jiangsu province. The event marked a significant milestone for the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ), which has now reached 200 operational enterprises.

“Cambodia, including SSEZ, welcomes investment from all countries,” Samdech Thipadei stated, highlighting the diverse international presence within the zone, which includes companies from the United States, France, Japan, and other nations, in addition to China.

He further underscored that the Royal Government, driven by the sustained support from voters for the Cambodian People’s Party, remains dedicated to attracting more foreign investment and creating essential jobs for the Cambodian people.

“To enhance employment opportunities and improve livelihoods, the Royal Government of Cambodia maintains a friendly foreign policy toward all countries—not only China, but also the United States, Japan, and others,” he stressed.

Addressing the development of the SSEZ, the Prime Minister commended its substantial contribution to Cambodia’s socio-economic growth. According to official data, the total trade volume of enterprises operating within the SSEZ reached a record US$4.07 billion in 2024, marking a significant 21.3 percent increase year-on-year.

The SSEZ, spanning an area of 11 square kilometers, is a joint venture between Chinese and Cambodian investors and stands as a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Samdech Thipadei also used the occasion to underline the strong ties between Cambodia and China, noting that China consistently supports Cambodia across various sectors, particularly in economic and political domains. He reiterated Cambodia’s firm support for the “One China” policy.

The post Prime Minister Hun Manet Declares Cambodia Open for Global Investment as Sihanoukville SEZ Hits 200 Enterprises first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the strategic importance of the port, highlighting the need for substantial investment to transform it into a world-class international hub and a pivotal logistics zone for the region. “This port requires a large investment capital, not only to make it an international port, but also to prepare it as a logistics zone for the regional logistics system to serve future needs,” he stated.

The Prime Minister underscored the significant potential of Preah Sihanouk province, stressing the critical role of local human resource development. He emphasized the need for targeted training programs to equip residents with the skills necessary to capitalize on emerging job opportunities. “Although we will have migrants from other provinces, it is true that the people of Preah Sihanouk province themselves are the ones who have the ability and the ability to seize job opportunities to serve development,” he added.

The newly inaugurated facilities at Hun Sen Veal Rehn High School, including a school building, teacher’s dormitory, management building, and garment building, are expected to play a crucial role in bolstering local education and human resource development for decades to come. The Prime Minister noted that these investments are vital for the province to expand its contribution to the national economy.

Prime Minister Hun Manet praised the progress made in education and human resource training in Preah Sihanouk province, citing the provincial governor’s report on improvements in educational quality and infrastructure. He commended the provincial government, departments, and relevant organizations for their dedication to enhancing education standards.

“In this regard, the Prime Minister would like to commend and highly appreciate the working group of the Royal Government of Preah Sihanouk Province, provincial leaders, departments and all relevant organizations who have worked hard to actively work in education in Preah Sihanouk province with a high sense of responsibility,” he said.

The Prime Minister specifically acknowledged the proactive efforts in reviewing model school standards, establishing support mechanisms, and implementing school evaluation and monitoring systems. He highlighted the successful resource mobilization that has led to an increase in model schools within the province, culminating in Preah Sihanouk province’s recognition as a model public service unit in the education sector in 2024.

The post Cambodia to Invest Nearly $1 Billion in Sihanoukville Port Expansion by 2029 first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

PAS handled 9.60 million tonnes of containerised cargo tonnage last year, an increase of 21.67 percent compared to 2023, which had in total 7.89 million tonnes, stated the source.

The report added that PAS saw its net profit increase by 24.12 percent to about US$110.38 million from US$88.94 million in 2023.

The freshwater port, the country’s second largest port, recorded a total of 4.51 million tonnes of containerised cargo tonnage and earned a revenue of US$43 million, an increase of 16.6 percent from US$37.27 million in 2023, it pointed out.

Cambodia’s PAS and PPAP play important roles in the transport of the country’s import-export cargos.

H.E. Phorn Rim, the ministry’s spokesperson, credited the nation’s strong economic performance to the notable increase in port revenue and container throughput.

He said that the rise in ports’ container throughput and revenue reflected the country’s growing import and export flow as well as an increase in economic activity that supported the economic growth.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has been expanding port capacity to accommodate large ships and meet the growing demand for import-export activities, which are seen as key drivers of sustainable economic growth, as these two major ports serve as important gateways for international trade and contribute to Cambodia’s integration into global markets.

The post Cambodia’s Ports See Growth in Container Throughput Last Year first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

According to its Second Quarterly Report 2024, PAS generated approximately US$52 million in revenue during the first half of 2024, up more than US$10 million compared to the same period in 2023.

As of June 30, PAS’ total asset rose by 5.29 percent to US$420 million, while its total equity is over US$250 million, a year-on-year increase by 5.69 percent, the report added.

Analysts attribute the revenue growth to several factors. One potential driver is the continued positive performance of Cambodia’s economy.

The country is expected to see steady growth again this year, fueled by sectors like tourism and garment manufacturing. This translates to an increase in imports and exports, keeping the port busy.

Another contributing factor could be the recent completion of a new container terminal at PAS. This expansion, finalised in late 2023, allows the port to accommodate larger vessels and handle a greater volume of cargo.

The increased capacity is likely a significant factor in attracting new business and boosting revenue.

The PAS is the Kingdom’s sole international and commercial deep seaport.

PAS plans to develop the port in three phases. By 2026, the new container terminal, which will be 350 metres long and 14.5 metres deep with a container capacity of 1.45 million TEUs per year, is expected to be completed.

The second phase of the new container terminal will be implemented in 2028 and the third phase, to be completed in 2029, will increase the container capacity to more than 2.67 million TEUs per year.

The post Sihanoukville Autonomous Port Generates some US$52 Million in Revenue in First Semester first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

Key stakeholders, including the Secretariat of the Master Plan to Develop Preah Sihanouk Province into a Model Multi-purpose SEZ, led by H.E. Chea Kok Hong, and the General Secretariat of Non-Bank Financial Services Authority, headed by H.E. Mey Vann, participated in the discussions. Representatives from Canopy Sands Development Company were also present.

H.E. Chea Kok Hong provided strategic insights to shape the IFC’s development. His recommendations focused on aligning the project with the broader vision of transforming Preah Sihanouk into a regional economic hub. By fostering high-end tourism and financial services, the IFC is expected to attract substantial foreign investment into the province.

The meeting underscored the commitment of government and private sectors to collaborate on this ambitious project. The IFC is seen as a catalyst for economic growth and development in Preah Sihanouk and the surrounding region.

The post High-Level Meeting Discusses International Financial Center’s Development in Preah Sihanouk first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

The request came during a meeting in Tokyo between H.E. Sun Chanthol, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), and H.E. Saito Tetsuo, Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. H.E. Tuy Ry, Cambodia’s Ambassador to Japan, also accompanied the Deputy Prime Minister.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Japan’s longstanding support for Cambodia’s development. This includes contributions to infrastructure projects like National Road No. 5, the Choeung Ek sewage treatment plant, and the ongoing expansion of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (phase 2).

During his two-day visit to Japan (May 23-24), H.E. Sun Chanthol also met with Mr. Tsuyoshi Hasebe, President of Nikkei Inc. He encouraged increased Japanese investment in Cambodia’s electronics, automotive, and technology sectors. This focus on attracting investment aligns with Cambodia’s goal of transitioning from a labor-intensive to a skill-based economy.

The post Cambodia Seeks Faster Upgrade of Sihanoukville Port for Regional Ambitions first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

The information was shared by H.E. PENG Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, in a discussion about the progress of KITP development with H.E. Pen Bona, Minister Delegate and Head of the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit posted on the ministry’s Facebook page on May 5.

The minister continued that KITP, whose construction began in Aug. 8, 2018 and ended in June 30, 2022, was a part of tourism infrastructure development project under an ADB’s financing of US$9.27 million.

Even though the construction was completed, the port has not yet been put into use because an operation company with enough investment capital (from US$5 to US$10 million) and experience to dig deeper and wider waterway are required along with more detailed study of navigation techniques, installation of navigation aids, and investment in the port’s safety infrastructure to ensure that KITP becomes a full tourism port in accordance with national and international standards, H.E. Minister explained.

H.E. PENG Ponea continued that once in operation, KITP will give many benefits such as creating new international seaport for the country for connection from archipelagos in Cambodia to countries in the region and the world, increasing trust among local and international visitors, providing job opportunities and more incomes for local people and enterprises, as well as supporting key policies and measures of the Royal Government to promote tourism sector, augmenting national economic profit and so on.

The minister further added that, though Cambodia has now a total of 119 ports and port terminals, of which two are international ports – Phnom Penh Autonomous Port & Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, 88 along the river, and 31 at coastal areas, they have still not met the real needs of the country’ geographical areas.

In this regard, H.E. PENG Ponea said transport ministry has also been preparing Cambodia port master plan 2050.

The post Kampot international tourism port to be officially inaugurated by year’s end first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.