Sihanoukville zone prospers on China links

Established in 2008, the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) is Cambodia’s largest special economic zone in terms of size and occupancy, covering 1,113 hectares with over 100 tenants and a 16,000-strong workforce. Developed and co-operated by Jiangsu Taihu Cambodia International Economic Cooperation Investment Co Ltd and the Cambodia International Investment Development Group Co Ltd (CIIDG), the industrial park is a pillar of state-backed Sino-Cambodian cooperation.

The Post’s Cam McGrath sat down with Cao Jianjiang, general manager of SSEZ, to discuss the economic zone’s development.

What infrastructure and facilities have been developed in SSEZ?
SSEZ has an overall area of 11.13 square kilometres. Roads, electricity, water, communications and sewage lines have been established within a 5-square-kilometre area.

We have built a sewage treatment plant with a daily processing capacity of 5,000 tonnes, offices, residential area, restaurants, cultural, entertainment and other services in an integrated service centre. There are also accommodations for employees, markets and lifestyle amenities. At the same time, we have a one-stop government administrative centre that helps the establishment of the labour market.

How many tenants have signed leases for SSEZ, and how many factories are in operation?
Currently, there are 109 enterprises in the zone. Some 92 companies have started operation, and there are some companies that are still at the beginning stage. Five companies are building manufacturing plants and expected to start production by the end of the year.

What are the main nationalities and sectors of your tenants?
There are 94 Chinese companies, 12 companies from United States, Ireland, United Kingdom, South Korea and other countries, as well as three local companies from Cambodia.

SSEZ General Manager Cao Jianjiang photographed at the industrial park’s main office earlier this month near Sihanoukville. 

How many people work in the zone?
Currently, there are about 16,000 workers in the special economic zone.

Has a vocational training facility been established in the zone?
We have a training centre that has trained about 10,000 people, providing skills and language courses.

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