Preah sihanouk: Preah Sihanouk Provincial Governor H.E. Mang Sineth engaged in significant discussions with H.E. Park Il, Ambassador in Charge of Special Mission of the Republic of Korea to Cambodia. The talks, held on Thursday afternoon, concentrated on enhancing bilateral cooperation in investment and logistics, and strengthening people-to-people connections.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the discussions underscored Preah Sihanouk’s pivotal role as Cambodia’s premier coastal growth engine and reiterated the robust 28-year diplomatic relationship between Cambodia and South Korea. Governor Mang Sineth welcomed the South Korean delegation, highlighting the strategic importance of Preah Sihanouk in Cambodia’s southwest. He shared insights into the province’s economic growth, which reached 5.4 percent in 2024, and its per capita income of approximately US$4,256.
Governor Mang Sineth detailed the province’s natural assets, including 32 islands and a 175-kilometer coastline, which drive its development across various sectors such as industry, commerce, agriculture, and tourism. He emphasized the Royal Government’s designation of Preah Sihanouk as a model multi-purpose Special Economic Zone, referring to it as a ‘rising star of the southwest.’
A significant focus of the conversation was the province’s extensive transport infrastructure. H.E. Mang Sineth elaborated on the comprehensive network, covering waterways, roads, rail, and air. He outlined the ongoing three-phase expansion of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (2024-2030), which is expected to reach a depth of 17.5 meters to accommodate vessels up to 160,000 tonnes, supported by major road links like the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway and National Roads No. 3 and No. 4, along with an operational railway and airport.
Ambassador Park Il commended the province’s long-term vision, particularly the phased port development and infrastructure improvements that are propelling Preah Sihanouk’s rapid growth. He recognized Preah Sihanouk as a key hub for industry, trade, and tourism and proposed the idea of establishing a sister-city relationship with Ulsan, a major transport and logistics center in South Korea.
The province already has sister-city partnerships with South Korea’s Changwon, Guri, and Bonghwa. The Ambassador highlighted the positive trajectory of Cambodia-Korea relations and assured Seoul’s dedication to promoting Preah Sihanouk’s tourism and investment opportunities among South Korean citizens and businesses. He requested continued support for the expanding South Korean community residing and working in the province.
The Preah Sihanouk provincial administration welcomed the proposals and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all South Korean residents and entrepreneurs. Governor Mang Sineth noted that despite past reputational issues related to online gaming, the province continues to attract increasing numbers of foreign tourists and investors.
He concluded by expressing gratitude for the opportunities available to Cambodian workers and students in South Korea, expressing confidence that bilateral ties and provincial cooperation will deepen in the coming years.