On July 9, 2024, the Ministry of Economy and Finance hosted a significant gathering, marking the third Committee Meeting of the Inter-ministerial Coordinating Committee. Under the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister and a key figure at the ministry, the focus was on refining the draft report for the ambitious Master Plan poising Preah Sihanouk Province as a Model Multi-Purpose Special Economic Zone (MPSEZ).
Distinguished guests, including Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, Secretaries of State, and the Governor of Preah Sihanouk, joined senior leaders from various ministries and institutions integral to the project’s success. Their collective expertise and leadership are pivotal for the comprehensive review and eventual endorsement of the Master Plan and Action Plan Report by the Royal Government.
This gathering reflects the Royal Government of Cambodia’s dedication under the dynamic guidance of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the Prime Minister. The vision for MPSEZ is clear: establishing Preah Sihanouk Province not only as a cornerstone of economic engagement but also as a beacon for sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Laid out with a long-term perspective, the project visualizes transforming Preah Sihanouk Province into three pivotal roles:
- An International Gateway, positioning the province as a significant fulcrum for transportation, business, and financial activities on a global scale.
- A National Development Pole, earmarked to become a premier coastal and archipelago tourism locale, a central point for industrial and technological advancements.
- An ASEAN Metropolis, aspiring to be a sustainable, culturally diverse, and smart green city, setting benchmarks for urban development.
To materialize these ambitious goals, the Master Plan will be rolled out in two phases. The initial phase, spanning 2024 to 2028, aims to integrate the province into the broader regional trading framework, emphasizing logistics, tourism, and the revitalization of urban spaces to attract high-value investments.
The subsequent phase, planned for 2029 to 2038, will amplify Sihanoukville’s stature as a key national and regional hub for finance, trade, industry, transportation, and technology. It focuses on evolving into a multifunctional city that embraces entrepreneurship, and environment-conscious, smart living to foster a high-income, affluent province.
The committee lauded the effort invested in preparing the comprehensive draft report and Action Plan. Discussions were fruitful, highlighting the need for meticulous attention to language ensuring coherence, clarity, and implementability across the document.
H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth expressed profound thanks for the unwavering support and collaborative effort from all the key stakeholders, emphasizing the essential contributions of the Inter-Ministerial Technical Working Group and the Secretariat. Their dedication in refining the Master Plan and Action Plan in the Khmer language, guided by constructive feedback from various sectors, is fundamental for aligning with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s aspirations for sustainable and strategic development.
