In a significant step towards transforming Cambodia’s coastal regions, the 7th Inter-ministerial Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting was held on April 1, 2024, in Kampot province. Chaired by His Excellency Dr. Phan Phalla, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the meeting focused on reviewing and providing technical input on the draft report of the “Master Plan to develop Preah Sihanouk Province into a Model Multi-Purpose SEZ and Develop Cambodia Coastal Provinces into a Multi-purpose and Comprehensive Economic Corridor”.
The meeting brought together representatives from 27 related line ministries, provincial deputy governors from the four coastal provinces, and the Urban Planning and Design Institute of Shenzhen (UPDIS). The collaborative effort aims to guide the development of Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, Kampot, and Kep provinces, fostering interconnectivity and inclusivity.
H.E. Dr. Phan Phalla emphasized the significance of the Master Plan as a national strategy to promote economic and social development through six key pillars: industry, human resources and technology, transportation, infrastructure, ecology, and public services. The draft report encompasses a wide range of aspects, including national development and strategic plans, macroeconomic status, global trends, industrial development, labor markets, special economic zone development models, public service systems, public transportation and infrastructure, tourism and biodiversity, livelihoods and well-being, urban design, land use management, green belt management, and institutional frameworks.
The meeting facilitated productive discussions and valuable input from participants, focusing on fulfilling relevant data and development directions while promoting collaboration among the four coastal provinces. The Secretariat team will incorporate the comments and revise the report before presenting it to the Inter-ministerial committee for review and seeking final approval from the Royal Government of Cambodia.
This Master Plan is expected to be a catalyst for Cambodia’s economic growth, aligning with the nation’s goal of achieving middle-income status by 2030 and becoming a high-income country by 2050. The development of the coastal provinces will not only benefit the region but also contribute to the overall progress of Cambodia.
The meeting expressed gratitude to the inter-ministerial TWG and UPDIS team for their dedication and hard work in drafting the Master Plan Report. With the successful implementation of this visionary plan, Cambodia’s coastal provinces are set to become a thriving multi-purpose economic corridor, driving the nation towards a prosperous future.
