The Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee convened its third meeting to deliberate on the preparations for a comprehensive master plan aimed at transforming Sihanoukville into a versatile and exemplary special economic zone.
Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, Minister of Economy and Finance, took charge of the morning meeting on July 9, 2024.
In this meeting, the focus was on reviewing and discussing the progress of the preparation of the Sihanoukville Provincial Master Plan and its draft report, along with the 12 related reports. The participants also took the time to review the action plan and discuss the next steps moving forward.
The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone's master plan has been in operation for quite some time, showcasing its ambitious development goals. If the plan is approved and successfully implemented, the city's population could potentially increase from around 300,000 to 1 million.
Documents reveal that a master plan is currently in development, with the backing of China's Shenzhen Urban Planning and Design Institute (UPDIS). The goal of this multi-purpose special economic zone is to establish itself as a prominent economic hub in Southeast Asia. To achieve this, the zone will leverage smart technology and function as a modern industrial zone, catering to both regional and global production chains.
Cambodia's plan is intricately tied to its ambition of transforming into a modern hub. This involves expanding the deep seaport in Sihanoukville, as well as developing and expanding the Funan Techo canal and other waterways.
Sihanoukville's transformation into a multi-purpose special economic zone relies heavily on the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway. Additionally, the expansion of regional and international flights, along with sustainable coastal development, will play a crucial role in establishing the city as a prominent hub for investment and tourism.
A senior official of the committee stated that their comprehensive master plan is designed to capitalize on these special benefits in order to establish a thriving economic zone. These factors contribute to sustainable growth, enhance livelihoods, and draw in international investment.
Sihanoukville's transition is a significant undertaking that requires strong support and substantial financial investments. These efforts have the potential to drive economic growth and foster social development in the region.
The Sihanoukville Multi-Purpose Special Economic Zone has a long-term vision as follows:
- International gateways, including those by land, sea, and air, are crucial for global connectivity and transportation.
- Serve as a crucial component of national progress
- The city is undergoing a transformation to become more appealing to visitors from the ASEAN region.
In a meeting held on June 17, 2014, Mr. Tek Reth Samrech, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Land Management Urbanization and Construction, along with representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment, discussed regional development and additional activities for tourism promotion in the Otres and O Tracheak Chet areas. The aim was to align these development projects with the long-term vision for tourism. These sites are set to undergo a significant transformation into regional integration centers.
Mr. Chea Kok Hong, Director of the Secretariat of the Inter-Ministerial Technical Working Group, coordinated the development and implementation of the master plan to transform Sihanoukville into a multi-purpose special economic zone. Later, he attended a meeting of the Financial Technical Working Group (TWG) led by Mr. Ros Silva, Secretary of State and Chairman of the Financial Center Working Group. The meeting focused on discussing the business proposal of establishing the International Financial Center (IFC) in Sihanoukville.
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