Cambodia, Japan push master plan for special economic zone to attract supply chains

PHNOM PENH, July 11, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and Japan have stepped up cooperation on a dedicated special economic zone, advancing a master plan aimed at drawing Japanese manufacturers and strengthening regional supply chains, officials said Friday.

Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, vice chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, and Dr. Shoichi Kobayashi, president of the Japan Development Institute, reaffirmed the commitment during talks in Phnom Penh.

Chanthol praised JDI’s technical support and said the project reflects the strategic vision of leaders from both countries to deepen long‑term economic cooperation. He said the zone is designed to boost Cambodia’s competitiveness and position the kingdom as a preferred destination for Japanese investment.

Both sides discussed measures to attract more Japanese firms, improve the investment climate and ensure the zone meets manufacturers’ expectations. Kobayashi shared lessons from successful industrial parks worldwide and offered recommendations for an international‑standard master plan to enhance investor confidence.

He pledged JDI’s global network of experts to help move the project from planning to implementation. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to translate strategic planning into concrete actions, creating a predictable and investor‑friendly environment to open new opportunities for Japanese supply chains in Cambodia.