Cambodia’s 39 operating economic zones draw about US$15 billion
The zones hosted 1,149 investment projects and generated around 270,000 job opportunities as of November 2026, according to a Cambodian investment official.
Cambodia’s 39 operating special economic zones had attracted approximately US$15 billion across 1,149 investment projects by November 2026, according to Chea Vuthy, secretary-general of the Cambodian Investment Board at the Council for the Development of Cambodia. He said the zones had generated around 270,000 job opportunities.
Vuthy reviewed development at the Qilu Special Economic Zone and Huashang International Special Economic Zone in Svay Rieng province. He said such zones were helping Cambodia attract domestic and foreign investors, broaden its export reach and move towards technology-based industries offering greater added value. He also highlighted Prime Minister Hun Manet’s call for more domestic agricultural processing and closer connections between foreign investment and local industries to strengthen domestic supply chains.
At Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone (RGPPSEZ), imports increased to US$2.166 billion in 2025 from US$378 million in 2016, while exports reached US$2.144 billion, compared with US$316 million. The company said the zone housed 117 companies representing 15 countries, with activities ranging from food and beverage production to automobile assembly.
Sam Soknoeun, board chairman of SAM SN Group, told The Phnom Penh Post that roads, electricity and one-stop service offices within the zones made operations easier for factories and enterprises, including importing production materials and exporting finished goods. He said textiles still accounted for most goods manufactured for export in the zones, but that could change as Cambodia attracted manufacturers of electronic components, machinery and advanced technological equipment.
