Cambodia launches master plan to turn Sihanoukville into regional hub

PHNOM PENH, Feb 4, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has unveiled a master plan to transform the southern coastal city of Sihanoukville into a regional port and logistics hub, a national growth pole, and a leading tourism destination.

Lou Kimchhun, director general of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, joined a dissemination workshop on Monday alongside Nagase Kensuke, deputy chief of mission at the Japanese embassy in Phnom Penh.

The event marked the start of the plan’s implementation and sought input from ministries, institutions and private sector stakeholders to ensure the strategy is comprehensive and aligned with Cambodia’s socio-economic priorities.

Nagase said Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are supporting the project with technical expertise. Cambodian officials pledged full cooperation to ensure the study and preparation deliver clear and practical outcomes.

The plan envisions Sihanoukville as Cambodia’s international gateway, serving as a hub for trade and finance while developing into a world-class coastal and island tourism destination. It also aims to position the city as a major ASEAN urban center recognized for sustainability, cultural diversity and smart city development.

The first phase, running from 2025 to 2028, will focus on integrating Sihanoukville into regional trade systems, expanding logistics and tourism, upgrading urban areas, developing new zones and attracting high value-added investment.

The second phase, from 2029 to 2038, will consolidate the city’s role as a national gateway and regional center for finance, trade, industry, transport and technology, guiding its evolution into a multifunctional, green and smart city.