AKP Phnom Penh, May 22, 2025 --

The 17-year development of the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) stands as a testament to the vitality and deepening relationship between Cambodia and China over the past 70 years, said H.E. Wang Wenbin, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia.

He made the comments at the ceremony to congratulate the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) on reaching a new milestone of 200 operating enterprises on Thursday in Preah Sihanouk province. The event was presided over by Samdech Maha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia.

The Chinese Ambassador claimed that to date, the zone has attracted 202 enterprises from countries and regions such as China, Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia.

The number of enterprises in the SSEZ accounts for about 70 percent of the total number of enterprises in Preah Sihanouk province, creating 32,000 jobs, and the total import and export volume accounts for more than 7 percent of Cambodia’s total international trade, becoming the engine of Sihanoukville’s economic development.

H.E. Wang Wenbin stated that China is committed to collaborating with Cambodia, focusing on putting the outcomes of President Xi's recent visit into action, specifically by aligning the "Belt and Road" initiative with Cambodia's "Pentagonal Strategy.”

The joint efforts promote the development of the SSEZ to a high level of globalisation, green globalisation, digitalisation and internationalisation, he underlined.

China will continue providing assistance to the Cambodian side to achieve its 2030 and 2050 visions, and continue to inject momentum into building a community with a shared future in all seasons in the new China-Cambodia era, the Chinese diplomat added.

He pointed out that the SSEZ was praised by President Xi Jinping as a “model of practical cooperation between China and Cambodia.”

The special economic zone was initiated in 2008 by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of Cambodia, and the Chinese leadership.

According to official data, the total trade volume of enterprises operating within the SSEZ reached a record US$4.07 billion in 2024, marking a 21.3 percent increase year-on-year.

The SSEZ, covering an area of 11 square kilometres, is a joint venture between Chinese and Cambodian investors and serves as a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Addressing the ceremony, Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister underscored the strong ties between Cambodia and China, noting that China consistently supports Cambodia across various sectors, especially in economic and political domains. He reiterated Cambodia’s support for the “One China” policy.

By Chea Vannak