On August 1, the Northeast Investment Promotion Working Group met to consider special incentives for the first time, reviewing five investment projects in northeastern Cambodia. The projects represent a combined US$2.85 billion in investment and could create about 38,400 jobs for residents. All five sought incentives, concessions and simpler procedures.
Hean Sahib, adviser to the Prime Minister and chair of the Northeast Investment Promotion Working Group, chaired the meeting. It was attended by representatives of ministries and other institutions, officials from the administrations of the four northeastern provinces, and relevant specialists.
The five projects cover agriculture, agro-industry and tourism, priority sectors under the special programme, as well as other sectors such as education and healthcare. Some of the companies already operating in the northeastern provinces want to expand through large-scale, multipurpose agricultural projects. Their plans include increasing production capacity, building on synergies from investment cooperation, expanding agricultural processing and livestock farming, and setting up factories for fertilizer, animal feed and agricultural machinery. These additional inputs are needed and in high demand as the region seeks to add economic value and diversify investment in line with its strengths.
Hean Sahib stressed the importance of the special investment programme for the four northeastern provinces in developing the region as a new source of economic growth. The working group held detailed discussions based on visits to the project sites and reviewed the proposals from every angle, especially their compliance with Cambodian laws and regulations. It aimed to facilitate, promote and support investment while protecting and increasing Cambodia’s socioeconomic benefits.
Hean Sahib said the Cambodian government had secured a 19% reciprocal tariff rate through negotiations with the United States. He said the outcome offered hope of sustaining confidence in Cambodia’s overall investment climate and keeping its industries competitive, supporting sustainable and inclusive economic development.
The Special Programme to Promote Investment in the Four Northeastern Provinces of the Kingdom of Cambodia, 2025–2028, was officially launched on April 9, 2025, under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. It aims to promote investment in priority sectors such as agriculture, agro-industry and tourism through special incentives in Kratie, Stung Treng, Rattanakiri and Mondulkiri.
The Cambodian government set up the Northeast Investment Promotion Working Group as a single window to review and approve special incentives for investment projects and issue permits or licenses as a package. Under its coordinated “single-actor system” approach, the relevant bodies make decisions jointly, efficiently and transparently.
At the time, prospective investors could apply for special benefits or obtain more information at five working group offices. In Phnom Penh, the office was on the 21st floor of the Business Development Centre (BDC), in Chroy Changvar commune and district, telephone (+855) 76 365 2775/ 97 256 7174. The Kratie office was in Kratie village, Kratie commune, Kratie city, Kratie province, telephone (+855) 97 22 00 664. The Stung Treng office was in Trapeang Pring village, Stung Treng commune, Stung Treng city, Stung Treng province, telephone (+855) 97 22 00 663. The Mondulkiri office was in Doh Kramom village, Sokh Dom commune, Sen Monorom city, Mondulkiri province, telephone (+855) 97 22 11 663. The Rattanakiri office was in Tes Anlong village, Boeng Kanseng commune, Banlung city, Rattanakiri province, telephone (+855) 97 22 11 664.
Preah Sihanouk Provincial Television | By ង៉ែត ពិសាន្ត
