Cambodia's 39 operational Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have attracted 1,149 investment projects worth approximately US$15 billion and generated around 270,000 job opportunities as of November 2026, highlighting their growing contribution to industrial development, exports and employment. Chea Vuthy, Secretary-General of the Cambodian Investment Board under the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), said SEZs are becoming increasingly important in attracting domestic and international investors while expanding the Kingdom's access to global markets.
Key Facts
Operational SEZs: 39 as of November 2026.
Investment projects: 1,149.
Combined investment capital: Approximately US$15 billion.
Employment opportunities: Around 270,000.
Key development focus: Industrial diversification, technology-based manufacturing and higher-value production.
Example: Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone (RGPPSEZ).
RGPPSEZ companies: 117 companies from 15 countries.
RGPPSEZ 2025 imports: US$2.166 billion.
RGPPSEZ 2025 exports: US$2.144 billion.
Cambodia’s 39 SEZs Become Major Investment and Industrial Hubs
Chea Vuthy highlighted the economic contribution of SEZs during visits to Qilu Special Economic Zone and Huashang International Special Economic Zone in Svay Rieng province late last week.
The visits provided an opportunity to review development progress and examine how industrial zones are attracting investment and supporting Cambodia's economic transformation.
According to Vuthy, Cambodia's 39 operational SEZs had attracted 1,149 investment projects with combined capital of approximately US$15 billion by November 2026, creating around 270,000 employment opportunities.
He noted that the establishment of SEZs was originally proposed by former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is currently President of the Senate.
Over time, areas that were once vacant land and rice fields have been transformed into industrial zones hosting domestic and international businesses.
These developments have contributed to Cambodia's socioeconomic progress while strengthening its manufacturing and export capacity.
Industrial Diversification Shifts Towards Higher-Value Manufacturing
Cambodia's SEZs are increasingly supporting the diversification of the country's industrial base.
Vuthy said the zones have played an important role in shifting manufacturing beyond traditional labour-intensive industries towards technology-based production with higher added value.
This transition is particularly relevant as Cambodia seeks to attract investment in more sophisticated manufacturing activities and strengthen its position in regional and global supply chains.
While textile production remains an important part of the industrial sector, Cambodia is increasingly attracting companies involved in electronic components, machinery and advanced technological equipment.
Government Encourages Agricultural Processing and Local Supply Chains
During the visits, Vuthy also highlighted Prime Minister Hun Manet's call to promote domestic agricultural processing and increase the added value of Cambodian products.
The government is seeking stronger connections between foreign investment and local industries to develop more sustainable domestic supply chains.
This approach could create opportunities for local agricultural producers, processors and suppliers to participate more extensively in industrial production.
Stronger linkages between SEZ-based manufacturers and domestic businesses could also help expand local sourcing, improve value addition and diversify Cambodia's export products.
Royal Group Phnom Penh SEZ Records Strong Trade Expansion
The Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone (RGPPSEZ) provides an example of how industrial zones have contributed to Cambodia's economic development over the past two decades.
According to the figures reported, imports through the zone increased from US$378 million in 2016 to US$2.166 billion in 2025.
Exports also expanded significantly, rising from US$316 million in 2016 to US$2.144 billion in 2025.
RGPPSEZ IMPORTS AND EXPORTS
Reported trade values through Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone.
Source: Phnom Penh Post report, November 12, 2026. Values in US$ billions.
The zone has developed from an area of rice fields and vacant land into an investment destination hosting 117 companies from 15 countries.
Its businesses produce a diverse range of goods, from food and beverages to automobile assembly.
Kit Meng, Chairman of Royal Group and Royal Group Phnom Penh SEZ Plc, said the zone's development over the past 20 years had been supported by the confidence and commitment of investors, partners, employees and other stakeholders.
He reaffirmed the company's commitment to supporting investors, attracting quality investment and contributing to Cambodia's industrial and economic development.
SEZ Infrastructure Makes Investment Operations More Convenient
Sam Soknoeun, Chairman of the Board of SAM SN Group, said SEZs offer supporting infrastructure that makes business operations more convenient for investors.
These facilities include roads, electricity and one-stop service offices that help businesses manage operational and administrative requirements.
He explained that companies operating inside SEZs benefit from more convenient processes, from applying to import raw materials for production and processing to exporting finished products to international markets.
Soknoeun noted that textile products currently account for a large share of goods manufactured for export in SEZs.
However, he expects the industrial composition to evolve as Cambodia attracts more large-scale manufacturers producing electronic components, machinery and advanced technological equipment.
Angkor Times Analysis
Cambodia's 39 operational SEZs represent an important platform for attracting investment, generating employment and expanding the country's manufacturing and export capacity. The reported US$15 billion in investment capital across 1,149 projects demonstrates the scale of industrial activity established within these zones.
The next stage of development will depend increasingly on the quality and diversity of investment rather than the number of factories alone. Moving towards electronics, machinery, automotive-related production and other technology-based industries could help Cambodia increase domestic value addition and strengthen its position in regional supply chains.
The government's emphasis on agricultural processing and stronger connections between foreign investors and local businesses is also significant. Greater participation by Cambodian suppliers could help SMEs benefit from industrial expansion instead of limiting the economic impact to companies operating inside the zones.
The RGPPSEZ figures illustrate the growth of trade activity within an established industrial zone. However, rising imports and exports should also be considered alongside the development of domestic suppliers, workforce capabilities and higher-value production.
For Cambodia, the long-term opportunity is to transform SEZs from investment locations into stronger industrial ecosystems that support technology transfer, local business participation, skilled employment and more diversified exports.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many operational Special Economic Zones does Cambodia have?
Cambodia had 39 operational SEZs as of November 2026.
2. How much investment have Cambodia's SEZs attracted?
The 39 operational zones attracted 1,149 investment projects with combined investment capital of approximately US$15 billion.
3. How many jobs have the SEZs generated?
They have generated around 270,000 employment opportunities.
4. Which industries operate in Cambodia's SEZs?
Industries include textiles, food and beverages, automobile assembly and manufacturing. Cambodia is also attracting investment in electronic components, machinery and advanced technological equipment.
5. What is the Royal Group Phnom Penh SEZ?
It is an industrial investment zone hosting 117 companies from 15 countries, producing a range of goods for domestic and international markets.
6. How much did RGPPSEZ import and export in 2025?
Imports reached US$2.166 billion, while exports totalled US$2.144 billion.
7. Why are SEZs important to Cambodia's economy?
They provide infrastructure and investment facilities, attract domestic and foreign investors, create employment, support exports and contribute to industrial diversification.
8. What is the government's next priority for SEZ development?
Priorities include attracting technology-based industries, expanding agricultural processing and strengthening connections between foreign investors and domestic suppliers.