Per capita GDP in Cambodia’s Preah Sihanouk province has exceeded US$5,000, ranking first among the country’s provinces and the capital, Phnom Penh. During a recent interview with Xinhua Finance while attending the “2026 Global Mayors Dialogue · Ningbo” in China, Deputy Governor Sok Phea discussed the province’s economic development and future investment plans.
Sok Phea said that Preah Sihanouk is not only an important coastal province of Cambodia but also a gateway to international markets. Its total GDP also ranks among the highest in the country.
Located in southwestern Cambodia, Preah Sihanouk is home to the country’s only deep-water seaport, Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, as well as an airport, special economic zones and other infrastructure. Port logistics, international trade, industrial manufacturing and coastal tourism are important pillars of the local economy.
On investment, Sok Phea said the provincial administration is actively improving the business environment, prioritising investors’ interests and local employment, and creating more opportunities for Chinese companies through a special investment promotion programme.
Discussing cooperation with Ningbo, China, he said shipping links between Ningbo and Sihanoukville Port facilitate cargo transport and provide an important bridge for economic and trade cooperation between the two places. The direct container shipping route opened in 2025. The two sides could further deepen cooperation in smart ports and green logistics.
Sok Phea said Preah Sihanouk hopes to become a modern hub for trade, industry, investment and tourism. He welcomed more Chinese companies to invest in the province and expressed hopes for more direct flights from China to Preah Sihanouk to further promote economic, trade and tourism exchanges.
