The Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone (RGPPSEZ) is marking its 20th anniversary after evolving from agricultural land into one of Cambodia’s major industrial and investment hubs. Established in 2006, the zone has attracted 117 international companies from 15 countries, generated more than 63,000 jobs and recorded substantial growth in trade activity, highlighting the expanding role of special economic zones in Cambodia’s industrial development.
Key Facts
Established: 2006.
Anniversary: 20 years of operation in 2026.
International companies: 117 from 15 countries.
Employment: More than 63,000 jobs generated.
Exports in 2025: $2.144 billion, approximately seven times the initial level cited in the anniversary report.
Imports in 2025: $2.166 billion, approximately six times the initial level cited in the report.
Capital market milestone: Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Cambodia Securities Exchange in 2016.
Chairman: Kith Meng, Chairman of Royal Group of Companies and RGPPSEZ Plc.
From Rice Fields to a Major Industrial Hub
Established in 2006, Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone has undergone a significant transformation over two decades, developing from a relatively undeveloped agricultural area into an established industrial and economic hub.
The zone's development reflects Cambodia's broader efforts to attract foreign investment, expand manufacturing capacity and create employment through dedicated industrial infrastructure.
Over the years, RGPPSEZ has attracted 117 international companies representing 15 countries. Their operations have generated more than 63,000 jobs, contributing to employment opportunities and economic activity in the surrounding community.
The development has also helped transform the surrounding area into a more active economic corridor, supporting businesses, workers and related services.
Exports Reach $2.144 Billion as Industrial Activity Expands
One of the most significant milestones highlighted in RGPPSEZ's 20-year retrospective is the growth of its international trade activities.
By 2025, the zone's export value had increased sevenfold to $2.144 billion, while import values had risen sixfold to $2.166 billion.
These figures demonstrate the scale of industrial and commercial activity developed within the zone since its establishment.
The growth in exports highlights the contribution of companies operating in the special economic zone to Cambodia's international trade, while the increase in imports reflects demand for production inputs, machinery, materials and other goods needed to support industrial operations.
RGPPSEZ Marks Capital Market Milestone With 2016 IPO
Another important milestone came in 2016, when RGPPSEZ completed its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX).
The listing represented a notable development in the company's corporate history and connected its growth with Cambodia's emerging capital market.
The milestone also demonstrated the role that domestic capital markets can play in supporting business development and providing companies with access to investment opportunities.
Kith Meng Highlights Investor Confidence and Long-Term Commitment
Reflecting on the anniversary, Kith Meng, Chairman of Royal Group of Companies and RGPPSEZ Plc., credited the zone's development to the confidence and commitment of investors, business partners, employees and other stakeholders.
He said the company would continue supporting existing investors, attracting quality investment and contributing to Cambodia's economic growth and industrial transformation.
RGPPSEZ also expressed appreciation to the Royal Government of Cambodia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, for supporting the investment climate and advancing the country's industrialisation agenda.
Looking ahead, the company aims to build on its established infrastructure and investor-support services to help develop a more competitive, sustainable and diversified economy.
Angkor Times Analysis: Special Economic Zones Remain Important to Cambodia’s Industrial Future
RGPPSEZ's 20-year development illustrates how dedicated industrial infrastructure can contribute to Cambodia's economic transformation.
The presence of 117 international companies from 15 countries and the creation of more than 63,000 jobs demonstrate the role of the zone in attracting investment and supporting industrial employment.
Its reported $2.144 billion in exports in 2025 also highlights the contribution of special economic zones to Cambodia's participation in international manufacturing and trade networks.
However, the next stage of development will require more than attracting additional companies. Cambodia will need to strengthen the domestic economic benefits generated by industrial investment.
Three areas will be particularly important:
Increasing local supplier participation: Connecting international manufacturers with Cambodian small and medium-sized enterprises could help more domestic businesses participate in industrial supply chains.
Moving towards higher-value manufacturing: Encouraging investment in more sophisticated production, technology and skills development could improve productivity and increase the value generated locally.
Strengthening sustainable industrial infrastructure: Reliable energy, efficient logistics, workforce development and environmental management will be important for maintaining long-term investor confidence.
For Cambodia, the future competitiveness of special economic zones will depend not only on the number of companies they attract, but also on their ability to generate quality employment, develop local suppliers, transfer skills and support higher-value industrial production.
RGPPSEZ's 20th anniversary therefore provides an opportunity to assess both its contribution to Cambodia's industrial development and the potential for the next generation of investment-led growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone established?
RGPPSEZ was established in 2006 and marked its 20th anniversary in 2026.
2. How many companies operate in RGPPSEZ?
The zone hosts 117 international companies from 15 countries.
3. How many jobs has RGPPSEZ generated?
The special economic zone has generated more than 63,000 jobs.
4. What was RGPPSEZ's export value in 2025?
Its export value reached $2.144 billion in 2025, representing a sevenfold increase according to the company's anniversary retrospective.
5. When did RGPPSEZ list on the Cambodia Securities Exchange?
RGPPSEZ achieved its IPO on the Cambodia Securities Exchange in 2016.
6. Who chairs Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone?
Kith Meng, Chairman of Royal Group of Companies and RGPPSEZ Plc., leads the organisation.