Cambodia has taken a significant step toward accelerating development in its remote northeastern region, as the government reviewed a wave of major investment proposals under the Special Programme to Promote Investment in the Four Northeastern Provinces, commonly known as the SPIN Programme. The review reflects renewed momentum to expand economic opportunities, modernize local industries, and create jobs in less-developed provinces.
The latest review meeting was held on January 22 at the Ministry of Economy and Finance. It was chaired by H.E. Dr. Hean Sahib, Secretary of State at the ministry and Chairman of the SPIN Programme. The session focused on evaluating proposed projects and determining eligibility for the programme’s third special incentive policy.
In total, 22 investment projects were examined, representing a combined investment value of nearly US$400 million. According to officials, the projects are expected to generate approximately 4,160 jobs once fully implemented, contributing directly to employment growth and income generation in the northeastern provinces.
The approved and reviewed projects are geographically spread across Kratie, Stung Treng, Rattanakiri, and Mondulkiri. This balanced distribution reflects the government’s intention to ensure that development benefits reach all four provinces rather than being concentrated in a single location.
Stung Treng accounts for the largest number of proposals with ten projects under review. Kratie follows with five projects, while Mondulkiri also hosts five. Rattanakiri includes two proposed investments, each designed to support local economic diversification.
The reviewed investments span a broad range of sectors, signaling a shift toward a more diverse and resilient regional economy. Projects include small and medium enterprise clusters, higher education institutions, polyclinics, hotels and resorts, cultural tourism villages, livestock farms, and a range of agricultural and agro-industrial ventures.
Several investors have also proposed processing facilities for key Cambodian commodities. These include rubber, cashew nuts, cassava, durian, planted timber, and coffee, all of which are strategically important to rural livelihoods and export growth.
During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Hean Sahib emphasized that approval alone is not enough. He stressed that investors who have been granted investment principles must move quickly to turn plans into tangible results on the ground, especially in terms of job creation and skills development.
He highlighted the importance of technology adoption and capacity building across the production chain. According to Dr. Hean Sahib, introducing modern processing techniques and management practices will be critical for improving productivity and competitiveness in the region.
The chairman also urged investors to shift their focus beyond primary production. He noted that value-added processing is essential to maximize economic returns, stabilize farmer incomes, and ensure long-term socio-economic benefits for local communities.
Government officials believe that strengthening processing capacity will reduce dependence on raw material exports and help retain more value within Cambodia. This approach aligns with the country’s broader industrial development and economic diversification strategies.
With the SPIN Programme gaining momentum, Cambodia is positioning its northeastern provinces as emerging hubs for investment, agribusiness, and sustainable tourism. If implemented effectively, the reviewed projects could play a transformative role in narrowing regional development gaps and supporting inclusive national growth.
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