The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) is one of the largest operational such Zones in Cambodia, and is a priority cooperation project between Cambodia and China. As a flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project it is seen as a model for pragmatic cooperation between the two nations. And China’s investments in Cambodia have catalyzed a remarkable transformation of its infrastructure.
Cambodia’s strategic location on the Mekong River south of Laos and between Thailand and Vietnam on the Gulf of Thailand has made it an important hub for trade and connectivity in the Southeast Asian region.
Cambodia’s aim for Sihanoukville is to transform it into a model green and smart city, and as a leading ASEAN city known for its multiculturalism, commitment to environmental protection, and utilization of green technologies.
The Sihanoukville SSEZ, established in 2008, continues to expand its development footprint with a focus on infrastructure, sustainability, and comprehensive investor support, according to Gu Xia, Investment Director of the SSEZ.
The value of imports and exports passing through the Sihanoukville SSEZ hit a record high in 2024. The total trade volume of enterprises within the SSEZ reached an impressive US$4.07 billion in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 21.3 percent, according to Cambodia’s customs data.
The SSEZ is situated about 12 km from the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, and currently has 202 enterprises. It accounts for about 70 percent of all factories in the province and generates over 32,000 jobs.
The zone is being developed in phases with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and inclusive cooperation. Gu said that the SSEZ follows a philosophy of “win-win cooperation,” engaging key stakeholders—environment, community, shareholders, staff, clients, suppliers, partners, and government—throughout its development process.
The SSEZ is equipped with essential infrastructure, including a national-level substation, a water treatment plant, a sewage treatment facility, and a solar power plant. These utilities are designed not only to meet the diverse energy and environmental needs of the zone’s enterprises but also to promote sustainable industrial development.
Seun Sam, an analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said Chinese investment and aid in BRI projects have been turning Cambodia into a key hub for trade and connectivity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). China’s investment in energy infrastructure has helped reduce Cambodia’s power shortages and fostered its sustainable development, he said.
“Cambodia is one of the countries that has seen the greatest impact of the BRI on its infrastructure, trade, economy and cultural landscape,” according to Seun Sam. “China’s investments in Cambodia have catalyzed a significant transformation of its infrastructure.”
The SSEZ supports the country’s drive to position itself as a ASEAN regional hub for industry and logistics by 2030. With ongoing development in its second and third phases, the zone remains a vital platform for cross-border investment and sustainable growth in the Kingdom.
Sources:
Khmer Times, Apr 8, 2025. https://www.khmertimeskh.com/…/ssez-gears-up-for…/
Xinhua, Oct 11, 2023. http://english.scio.gov.cn/…/11/content_116737241.htm
China Environment News 