Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are playing an outsized role in attracting domestic and international investors to set up factories and enterprises in Cambodia. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, exports from the two SEZs developed by Royal Group Phnom Penh SEZ Plc. (PPSP) reached a total of over $430 million, marking an increase of nearly 10% compared to the same period in 2024.

According to a PPSP press release, the developers of the Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone (RGPPSEZ) and Royal Group Kandal Special Economic Zone (RGKSEZ) saw January to March exports total $431 million, an 8.6% increase over the $397 million recorded in Q1 of 2024.

As of April 2025, the two SEZs employed 50,746 workers. Of them, 48,730 were employed in RGPPSEZ and 2,016 in RGKSEZ.

The press release highlighted that the increase demonstrates the strong growth of both SEZs, which it described as the leading investment destinations in Cambodia. Together, the two SEZs are home to 117 companies from 14 countries, bringing a wide range of manufacturing such as automotive and parts, electrical and electronics, garments, food and beverages, household goods and more.

Uematsu Hiroshi, CEO of PPSP, stated that Royal Group’s SEZs are becoming an important engine for job creation and the transformation of Cambodia’s industrial sector, significantly contributing to national economic development. As an SEZ developer, PPSP is committed to providing high-quality services to investors and continues to play an active role in creating more job opportunities for the Cambodian population. These milestones, he said, are a source of pride and motivation for Royal Group.

“These figures reflect the vital role of the two SEZs on the international stage, and the diversity of talent from around the world contributing to their ongoing development,” he added.

He noted that in addition to over 50,000 Cambodian workers, there are also 802 foreign professionals from 13 countries working in the two SEZs. The majority of the foreign experts are from China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.

Sam Soknoeun, Chairman of SAM SN Group, told The Post on May 19 that the two SEZs play a crucial role in attracting investors to Cambodia. He pointed out that several factors have driven the rise in investment and exports from the SEZs, such as strategic locations near population centres, easy access to ports and efficient management systems.

“Investing in SEZs offers many conveniences for investors, including transportation logistics, simplified export-import documentation and access to certain investment incentives,” he explained.

According to a report by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, by the end of 2024, Cambodia had a total of 30 operational SEZs, an increase of 4 over the previous year.

They are located across 12 provinces and cities, including 9 in Svay Rieng, 5 in Preah Sihanouk, 3 each in Banteay Meanchey, Koh Kong and Kandal, and 1 each in Phnom Penh, Pursat, Kratie, Kampot, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Cham.

The number of operational SEZs has steadily increased from 21 in 2020, to 23 in 2021, 25 in 2022, and 26 in 2023.