Exports from factories operating within the UBE Snuol Special Economic Zone (SEZ) have shown remarkable growth, crossing the US $100 million mark in the first ten months of 2025 — a sharp increase from US $79.6 million recorded during all of 2024. The figures were released by the Secretariat of the Working Group to Promote Investment in the Northeastern Region (SPIN Working Group), which monitors progress in the area.
This impressive rise signals growing investor confidence in Cambodia’s northeastern region and demonstrates how targeted economic programmes are strengthening the Kingdom’s export base.
Strategic Location and Growing Significance
Situated in Snuol district of Kratie province, about five kilometres from the Trapeang Sre International Border Checkpoint, the UBE Snuol SEZ enjoys a strategic position close to vital trade routes linking Cambodia with Vietnam and other regional markets. The zone plays a key role in the government’s broader plan to develop the northeastern provinces as new growth engines for manufacturing and export.
With total investment capital of around US $200 million, the SEZ is fast becoming one of Cambodia’s most promising industrial destinations.
Exports Rise Sharply: A Record Year for the Zone
According to the SPIN report, exports from the SEZ exceeded US $100 million during the first ten months of 2025, compared to only US $80 million in 2024. The zone’s major export destinations include the United States, Brazil, China, the European Union, Türkiye, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, India, and Indonesia.
This growth showcases Cambodia’s expanding manufacturing capabilities and the global reach of the UBE Snuol Special Economic Zone exports.
Factories Driving Growth
Five major manufacturers currently operate in the SEZ, representing diverse industrial sectors:
- Newbustar (Cambodia) Tire Co., Ltd. – Tyre production for international markets
- Firemax (Cambodia) Tires Co., Ltd. – Tyres for export
- HKZQ Energy and Technology Co., Ltd. – Steam and hot-air equipment manufacturing
- Yaokun (Cambodia) Mold Co., Ltd. – Tyre-mould production
- Zhongqi Photovoltaic Technology (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. – Solar-panel manufacturing
Together, these firms are helping diversify Cambodia’s industrial exports while generating local employment and technology transfer.
Government Commitment and SPIN Programme Support
To monitor progress and strengthen collaboration with investors, Sim Vireak, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Head of the SPIN Secretariat, led a delegation to the SEZ on November 11. The team included representatives from the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), provincial authorities, and other stakeholders.
During the visit, Vireak highlighted the government’s consistent support for investment facilitation and after-care services.
“Visits to investment sites are a fundamental part of the SPIN programme,” he explained. “We listen to investors’ concerns, provide full support, and encourage them to expand their projects.”
He added that the government also promotes local raw-material use, skills training, and technology transfer to ensure sustainable development in Cambodia’s northeastern provinces.
Transforming into a Tyre-Manufacturing Hub
Developers of the UBE Snuol SEZ have expressed their vision to transform the area into Cambodia’s leading tyre-manufacturing hub. This includes attracting new investors and supporting industries — particularly rubber-processing factories that can utilize local raw materials to supply production chains.
Such integration not only adds value to Cambodia’s agricultural resources but also positions the region as a competitive player in the global tyre and rubber industry.
The Broader Impact of the SPIN Programme
The SPIN (Special Programme to Promote Investment in the Northeastern Region), launched by Prime Minister Hun Manet in April 2025, is designed to accelerate investment in agriculture, agro-industry, manufacturing, and tourism across Kratie, Stung Treng, Ratanakkiri, and Mondulkiri provinces.
By providing targeted incentives, policy support, and investor facilitation, the programme aims to stimulate job creation, enhance local productivity, and encourage balanced national growth beyond the traditional industrial centres of Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.
Why the UBE Snuol SEZ Matters for Cambodia’s Future
- Export Diversification – Expanding exports to multiple continents reduces dependency on any single market.
- Regional Development – Industrial growth in Kratie boosts economic activity in previously underdeveloped provinces.
- Job Creation & Skills Transfer – Thousands of new employment opportunities for local workers, supported by upskilling programmes.
- Linking Agriculture with Industry – Encouraging rubber and local-material processing deepens value-chain integration.
- Enhanced Investor Confidence – Government visits, policy support, and infrastructure upgrades reinforce investor trust.
