The Special Programme to Promote Investment in the Four Northeastern Provinces (SPIN Programme) has taken a major step forward in Mondulkiri, reviewing five high-impact investment projects valued at $123 million. Chaired by H.E. Pich Sambath in early January 2026, the discussions focused on unlocking the province’s potential in high-value agriculture and “sacred tourism.” These projects are slated to create 1,700 new jobs, signaling a massive shift in the economic landscape of Cambodia’s highlands.
1. The Mondulkiri Project Breakdown
The five newly reviewed projects focus on two pillars that define the northeastern region’s competitive advantage: Agro-industry and Niche Tourism.
- Agriculture ($100M+ focus): Large-scale cultivation and processing of rubber and coffee. Companies like Veasna Agriculture and Neng Na Company are leading the charge with new cashew, rubber, and oil palm plantations in the Koh Nhek district.
- Sacred & Eco-Tourism: Development of sacred tourism areas designed to celebrate the region’s indigenous culture and natural landscapes. This aligns with Prime Minister Hun Manet’s directive to keep factories off mountains and preserve nature for high-end eco-tourism.
2. The SPIN Advantage: 2026 Incentives for Investors
The SPIN Programme (2025–2028) is designed to turn “remote” provinces into economic powerhouses through unprecedented government support:
| Incentive Type | Benefit for Investors |
| QIP Status | Projects as small as $100,000 now qualify for Qualified Investment Project (QIP) status. |
| Tax Holidays | Up to 12 years of corporate income tax exemption and VAT exemptions on local goods. |
| Financing | Access to low-interest loans via the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB) and SME Bank. |
| One-Stop Service | Streamlined licensing to bypass traditional bureaucratic bottlenecks. |
3. Why Mondulkiri? The “Green Battery” & Logistics Hub
Beyond agriculture, Mondulkiri is benefiting from a broader regional surge:
- Renewable Energy: As part of the $660 million SPIN-backed projects breaking ground in 2026, Mondulkiri is hosting significant wind and solar initiatives.
- Infrastructure Connectivity: Improved border roads and the synergy with the Funan Techo Canal logistics network are making it cheaper to export “Made in Mondulkiri” products to global markets.
A Win for Local Livelihoods
The SPIN Programme isn’t just about big numbers; it’s about retention. By creating 1,700 jobs in rubber and coffee processing locally, the government is reducing the need for migration to Phnom Penh or Thailand. For investors, the “One-Stop Service” mentioned by H.E. Pich Sambath is the real game-changer—it proves that the government is treating the Northeast as a priority frontier, not a peripheral zone.