Cambodia is taking another step toward expanding its industrial economy as Kampong Thom province joins forces with Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone to establish a new special economic zone in the heart of the country. The agreement was signed on June 15, 2026, during the Cambodia Investment Forum 2026 in Osaka, Japan, with the goal of attracting more domestic and international investors while accelerating the province’s economic transformation.
The new Kampong Thom SEZ is expected to become a strategic investment gateway for central Cambodia. By combining the province’s rich agricultural resources with the management experience of Phnom Penh SEZ, the project aims to create jobs, strengthen local industries, and provide businesses with a modern platform for long term growth.
A Strategic Partnership for Industrial Growth
The joint venture agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Cambodia Investment Forum 2026 at the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Kampong Thom Governor Nuon Pharath, PPSEZ Chief Executive Hiroshi Uematsu, and government advisor Dr. Mey Kalyan, reflecting strong public and private sector cooperation.
The partnership represents an important milestone in Kampong Thom’s development strategy. Provincial leaders have been working to attract more investment while encouraging industries that can add value to local agricultural products. The new SEZ is expected to help turn these ambitions into reality by providing investors with a dedicated business environment and modern industrial infrastructure.
Unlocking the Potential of Agriculture
Kampong Thom is one of Cambodia’s key agricultural provinces, known for producing large quantities of rice and cashew nuts. Officials believe these resources create a strong foundation for expanding agro processing and food processing industries, sectors that are expected to become the backbone of the new economic zone.
Instead of exporting raw agricultural products, the province hopes to encourage businesses to process and add value locally. This approach could increase farmers’ incomes, strengthen local supply chains, and create new business opportunities for Cambodian entrepreneurs and foreign investors alike.
More Than an Industrial Estate
According to Hiroshi Uematsu, the Kampong Thom SEZ is designed to be much more than a traditional industrial park. The project aims to provide a complete business platform that supports investors throughout every stage of their operations.
Drawing on the successful experience of Phnom Penh SEZ, the development will offer assistance with market entry, factory establishment, administrative procedures, human resource management, infrastructure, and day to day operations. This comprehensive support system is expected to make investment in Kampong Thom more attractive and efficient.
The focus on providing long term business services reflects Cambodia’s broader effort to improve the investment environment and create conditions that encourage sustainable industrial growth.
Attracting Japanese and International Investors
Officials expect the new SEZ to appeal particularly to Japanese and other foreign small and medium sized enterprises looking to expand into Cambodia’s provincial markets. Kampong Thom’s central location and strong agricultural base provide competitive advantages for companies seeking new manufacturing and processing opportunities.
The Cambodia Investment Forum in Osaka also served as a platform to showcase the province’s potential to international business leaders. By presenting Kampong Thom as an emerging industrial destination, the province hopes to attract high quality investment that can contribute to long term economic development.
A New Hub for Cambodia’s Economy
Government advisor Dr. Mey Kalyan said the project highlights the enormous untapped potential that exists in Cambodia’s provinces. He noted that once the special economic zone becomes operational, it will help create employment opportunities, improve supply chains, and establish Kampong Thom as a new center for industrial expansion.
The project is expected to benefit not only investors but also local communities by creating new jobs and encouraging supporting industries to develop around the economic zone. As businesses grow, the province could experience wider economic benefits through increased trade, services, and infrastructure development.
Conclusion
The creation of the Kampong Thom Special Economic Zone marks an important step in Cambodia’s effort to expand investment beyond major urban centers. By building on the province’s agricultural strengths and combining them with world class SEZ management expertise, the project has the potential to transform Kampong Thom into a dynamic industrial and investment hub.
If successful, the new economic zone will not only attract foreign businesses but also create opportunities for local enterprises, strengthen agricultural value chains, and contribute to Cambodia’s broader economic growth strategy for the years ahead.