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Why Invest in Cambodia Coastal Provinces
Core Investment Advantages
1
Strategic Location
Deep-sea Port: Access to international trade routes via the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.
Regional Hub: Great proximity to regional market major markets like Thailand, Vietnam, and China.
Good Transportation Connectivity: Cambodia coastal provinces form a strategic marine gateway and rising economic corridor along Cambodian Bay, bordering both Thailand and Vietnam. These provinces play a vital role in connecting Cambodia to ASEAN and global markets. Preah Sihanouk leads with its deep-sea port, international airport and the upcoming Koh Rong Ecotourism Airport, all supported by the 264-kilometer Northern Railway to Phnom Penh. Road and port upgrades in Koh Kong and Kampot are boosting cross-border and inter-provincial connectivity. Kep, while smaller, is set to benefit from regional infrastructure linkages and future access via the planned Funan Techo Canal, enhancing its role in eco-tourism, agri-logistics and coastal trade. Together, these provinces are emerging as a competitive hub for trade, tourism and investment, advancing Cambodia’s integration into regional value chains.
2
Economic Growth and Development
Infrastructure Development: Cambodia coastal provinces are fast becoming a new engine of growth, driven by major infrastructure upgrades that boost connectivity and attract investment. Preah Sihanouk is emerging as a logistics hub with the SSEZ expansion and deep-sea port upgrade. Koh Kong’s Dara Sakor Airport and smart city aim to draw eco-tourism and capital. Kampot is growing into a light industry and cultural tourism center with its new port and inland links, while Kep focuses on high-end tourism and agri-logistics, tied to future canal access. Supported by expressways, rail and pro-business policies, the southern coast offers strong first-mover potential in manufacturing, logistics, tourism and green sectors.
Tourism Hub: Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, Kampot and Kep are rapidly evolving into a vibrant, interconnected tourism corridor blending luxury, eco, cultural and marine experiences. Preah Sihanouk stands out with 185.81 km of coastline and 32 islands, hosting top resorts like Six Senses and Song Saa Private Island. Koh Kong offers untouched rainforests and beaches, tied to the Dara Sakor smart city. Kampot mixes heritage charm with riverfront resorts and attractions like Bokor Park and pepper farms, while Kep focuses on boutique eco-resorts and agri-tourism. Backed by new ports, expressways and airport links, Cambodia’s southern coast is fast becoming a seamless, high-value tourism destination.
Industrial Growth: Strategic industrial zones are taking shape along Cambodia coastal provinces, fueled by SEZs, infrastructure upgrades and rising investor interest. Preah Sihanouk leads with 11 SEZs, including the SSEZ, hosting over 200 firms in textiles, electronics and logistics. Koh Kong’s Dara Sakor is evolving into a smart city combining tourism and advanced manufacturing. Kampot is attracting agro-processing and light industry with growing zones and better port access. Kep is focusing on niche sectors like eco-packaging and artisanal goods. Together, these provinces form a dynamic coastal corridor supporting Cambodia’s export-driven growth.
3
Government Incentives
The government is launching a specialized policy framework called the "1 Baseline Incentive Package + 1 Targeted Industrial Policy + N Policies for Zone Development" to drive the growth of Preah Sihanouk Province.
• Baseline Incentive Package" offers foundational incentives already available to investors under the Law on Investment. This applies to the four provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, Kampot, and Kep. Moreover, Preah Sihanouk benefits from special policy incentives under the 2024-2025 SHV Investment Program.
• The “1 Targeted Industrial Policy” introduces tailored tax and non-tax incentives (such as talent attraction programs and streamlined administration) to attract investors in key industries like agro-processing, tourism, high-tech manufacturing, and more.
• The “N Policies for Zone Development” provide specialized incentives for specific zones, such as Free Trade Zones, Tourism Zones, International Financial Center, High-Tech Zones, and others, each designed to foster growth in designated areas.
4
Labor and Workforce
Affordable Labor: Competitive wage rates compared to neighboring countries.
Skilled Workforce:Human capital development is accelerating across Cambodia’s southern coast to meet the demands of industrialization, tourism and digital transformation. Preah Sihanouk leads the way with new vocational centers, university campuses, and incentives to attract skilled professionals, while promoting science and tech clusters within its SEZs to train a “high-tech blue-collar” workforce. Koh Kong and Kampot are aligning workforce training with agro-processing, construction and eco-tourism needs, while Kep focuses on hospitality and sustainable farming. Public-private training partnerships and expanded TVET programs are key to building a competitive, future-ready talent base across the region.
Youthful Population: With 72% of its population aged 15-59, Preah Sihanouk boasts a dynamic and eager workforce ready to drive growth and innovation.
5
Success Stories
International Investments: nternational investors are showing growing interest in Cambodia coastal provinces, drawn by fast-expanding industrial and tourism markets. Preah Sihanouk leads with 11 SEZs and over USD 817 million in foreign investment, hosting key players like AEON Logi Plus, Accor Group - Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort, Canopy Sand Development - Bay of Light Project, VINCI Airport - Sihanoukville International Airport, etc. Koh Kong’s Dara Sakor, one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated developments, continues to attract major Chinese investment. Kampot is seeing momentum in agro-processing, tourism and green manufacturing, while Kep is emerging as a niche destination for eco-tourism and sustainable farming ventures.
Local Success: International capital is driving vibrant local enterprise across Cambodia coastal corridor. In Preah Sihanouk, SEZ-led industrialization has generated over 30,000 jobs, stimulating growth in services, housing, and small businesses. Koh Kong’s infrastructure upgrades around Dara Sakor are fueling local construction, retail and support services. Kampot and Kep are seeing a rise in family-run tourism ventures, artisanal goods and agro-based food processing. This layered growth model is fostering more inclusive development across both urban and rural communities.
Testimonial: Investor confidence in the coastal provinces continues to strengthen, reflected in the ongoing expansion of SEZs, including a new zone under development in Preah Sihanouk to meet increasing investor demand. In Koh Kong, firms highlight land availability, long-term planning and cross-border logistics as key draws. Investors in Kampot and Kep point to the region’s livability, growing tourism and a trainable young workforce. With strong natural assets, infrastructure upgrades and supportive policies, the coastal region is clearly positioned for sustainable, long-term growth.
6
Lifestyle Benefits
Coastal Living: Beautiful beaches, resorts, and modern amenities.
Expanding Expat Community: Offering a blend of lifestyle, affordability and growing infrastructure, the coastal provinces are becoming an appealing destination for expats and retirees. Preah Sihanouk stands out with international schools, quality healthcare, entertainment and a range of retirement housing. Koh Kong is also gaining interest near the Thai border and eco-tourism areas as infrastructure improves. Kampot and Kep attract those seeking a quieter, scenic setting with riverside living and wellness retreats. Together, these provinces present strong potential for long-term living and investment.
Affordable Living: Cambodia coastal provinces offer a lower cost of living than major Southeast Asian cities, making them ideal for residents, retirees and businesses. Preah Sihanouk provides affordable urban living with access to international services, while Koh Kong adds potential for low-cost living with growing cross-border opportunities. Kampot and Kep offer budget-friendly, laid-back lifestyles. Together, they offer an appealing mix of affordability and quality of life.
Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, Kampot and Kep are the four Cambodia coastal provinces charmed with natural beauty and investment opportunities. Uncover this potential, where land meets limitless opportunity, stunning natural landscapes with strategic locations ideal for tourism, trade, industrial development and sustainable investment.
