Strategic Development of Cambodia’s Coastal Regions through Comprehensive Economic Corridor Plan

On July 23, 2024, a significant meeting took place at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, led by H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Inter-ministerial Coordinating Committee. The meeting was the fourth session dedicated to reviewing and finalizing the draft of the “Master Plan to Develop Cambodia Coastal Provinces into a Multi-Purpose and Comprehensive Economic Corridor.” The assembly was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, representatives of Line Ministries, Governors from Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Koh Kong, and Kep Provinces, and experts from the Urban Planning and Design Institution of Shenzhen (UPDIS), led by Mr. Sima Xiao, President of UPDIS.

Following directives from Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia to expand the plans originally set for Preah Sihanouk Province, the comprehensive economic corridor incorporates three additional coastal provinces. This strategic expansion utilizes the unique resources and potential of each province, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of these regions and, by extension, Cambodia’s economic standing globally.

The drafted Master Plan is ambitious, with a vision stretching to 2038, transforming Cambodia’s coastal regions into world-class destinations and benchmarks in green economic practices. Here are the pivotal elements the plan aims to nurture:

1. World-class Coastal Tourism Destination:
   • Aspiration to compete with top global coastal destinations
   • Development into a hub for professional wellness tourism services.
   • Becoming a vibrant center for diverse entertainment tourism.
2. Pioneering Green Economy Platform:
   • Transformation into a significant source of green energy.
   • Leading the way in green agriculture and sustainable industrial development.
   • Pioneering innovative green financial services and related sectors.

To lay the groundwork for this vision, the plan includes an exhaustive evaluation of each province’s administrative efficiency, traffic systems, elevation, land utilization, demographic dynamics, resource availability, and foundational development. These assessments help outline specific goals, conditions, and development potentials for each region. Additionally, the report suggests methods to ensure complementarity and inter-linkages across the four provinces while proposing strategic initiatives tailored to boost the entire coastal corridor.

During the meeting, critical points were discussed, and feedback was provided on various parts of the draft to guarantee that the plan was all-encompassable. Appreciation was widespread for the meticulous preparation of the draft Master Plan.

In his closing remarks, H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth extended his gratitude and appreciation to all participating leaders from relevant ministries and institutions, the Inter-Ministerial Technical Working Group (TWG), the Secretariat of the TWG, and the UPDIS working group for their diligent efforts in crafting a detailed and visionary Master Plan, aimed at sculpting the future of Cambodia’s coastal provinces into a dynamic and sustainable economic corridor.