Phnom penh: The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) and the UK Government are seeking input from the private sector on the development of a flagship Green Special Economic Zone (Green SEZ) Project in Cambodia. The initiative, which will be developed under a Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) model, is led by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), with technical advisory support from the UK Growth Gateway Programme.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Green SEZ project is a central component of the broader Cambodia-UK Strategic Partnership on Infrastructure Development. This partnership aims to accelerate sustainable infrastructure investments, significantly impacting Cambodia's socio-economic development, industrial diversification, and climate transition. The market consultation for the Green SEZ is set to be conducted by the MEF, CDC, and the British Embassy in Phnom Penh.

The RGC is focusing on gathering input from private sector participants on several critical aspects of the project. These include the project's commercial attractiveness, business models, and partnership structures, as well as infrastructure and utility requirements. Additionally, the consultation will cover proposed sustainability and green technology features, potential risks and mitigation strategies, and any incentives or regulatory support needed for successful participation.

The statement emphasizes that the Green SEZ project is currently in the Feasibility Study stage, and insights from potential developers are vital in shaping the project's design and ensuring an optimal procurement approach. These contributions are expected to align the Green SEZ with market expectations and global standards while maintaining flexibility and feasibility during implementation.

Private sector participants have the opportunity to contribute significantly to the development of this flagship project by engaging early in the process. This engagement allows them to refine key aspects of the project and gain early visibility into its direction and investment opportunities.

Strategically located in Kandal province, near the capital of Phnom Penh, the Green SEZ is envisioned to become a green export hub and gateway to the Greater Mekong region and Asia Pacific. It aims to enable long-term participation in global value chains, particularly in the automotive, electronics, and high-value garment sectors.

Currently, Cambodia hosts 58 SEZs, although only 32 are operational, as reported by the CDC.