PM Hun Manet Sees Svay Rieng Emerging as Industrial Hub Amid New Investment Surge

SVAY RIENG, Mar. 26, 2026 (KPT) — Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said Thursday he expects Svay Rieng province to become one of Cambodia’s largest industrial zones within two decades, citing new waves of foreign investment as a catalyst for growth.

Speaking at the inauguration of a water treatment plant in Svay Rieng town, Samdech Thipadei highlighted the province’s potential beyond agriculture, pointing to industry as its strongest driver. “I hope that in the next 20 years, Svay Rieng can become one of the country’s major industrial clusters,” he said.

The premier noted rising industrial and commercial activity, along with growing foreign investment, which he said is turning Svay Rieng into an important economic pole for Cambodia. He added that industrial expansion in Svay Rieng would eventually spread to neighboring Prey Veng province.

His remarks came as the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) announced six new investment projects worth more than $174 million in March, expected to generate 3,500 jobs. The approvals include automobile assembly, toy and bag manufacturing, chalk and plastic production, and festive ornament factories.

Officials said the surge follows earlier approvals of 42 projects worth $166 million in February and 43 projects worth $752 million in January, underscoring investor confidence in Cambodia’s industrial diversification.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stressed that agriculture, industry and manufacturing remain top priorities for Cambodia’s eastern region, positioning Svay Rieng at the heart of the country’s long term growth strategy.