In a record-breaking performance, the Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone (RGPPSEZ) reported an export value of $2.14 billion in 2025. This single zone now accounts for 7% of Cambodia’s total national exports, which hit a historic high of $31 billion last year. Driven by 91 manufacturing giants from 15 different nations, the zone has successfully pivoted from basic garments to high-tech electronics and automotive parts, signaling a new era of industrial diversification and economic resilience.
1. A Meteoric Rise: Tripling Production in 4 Years
The growth trajectory of RGPPSEZ is a testament to Cambodia’s rising competitiveness on the global stage.
- The 2021-2025 Leap: Exports from the zone more than tripled in just four years, defying global economic uncertainty.
- National Impact: Cambodia’s total exports grew from $19 billion in 2021 to over $31 billion in 2025, with RGPPSEZ serving as a primary engine for this $12 billion surge.
- Job Creation: The zone now supports over 55,000 workers, fostering skills development and lifting household incomes across the region.
2. Diversification: Beyond the Garment Sector
One of the most critical takeaways for international investors is the zone’s shift away from a “single-sector” reliance. The 91 manufacturers in RGPPSEZ represent a sophisticated industrial mix:
- Electronics & Technology: High-value components for the global market.
- Automotive Parts: Supplying regional assembly hubs.
- Light Manufacturing: Diverse products from footwear to consumer goods.
Expert Insight: “This diversification is Cambodia’s shield against external shocks. By not relying solely on garments, the Kingdom has built a resilient industrial base that attracts long-term, high-quality capital.”
3. Looking Ahead: Expansion Plans for 2026
Under the chairmanship of Neak Okhna Kith Meng, the Royal Group is not stopping at Phnom Penh. Starting in 2026, the group plans to expand new special economic zones into other provinces. This move aims to:
- Enhance Cambodia’s overall export competitiveness.
- Bring industrial development and thousands of jobs to rural provinces.
- Support the Prime Minister’s vision for a stable and modernized investment environment.
A Safe Harbor for US Capital
For an American investor, these numbers provide the “Proof of Concept” needed to enter the Cambodian market. When you see 91 companies from 15 countries—including Japanese, European, and American firms—tripling their output in four years, it proves that the infrastructure and labor force are ready for scale. The expansion plan for 2026 is a “Buy” signal for anyone looking to capitalize on Southeast Asia’s industrial boom.
Recommended Reading
- The $208M Sihanoukville Revival: New Incentives for 2026 – See how other provincial zones are mimicking the success of RGPPSEZ.
- Why Cambodia’s $3.7B Infrastructure Boom is the Real Reason US Investors are Staying – The backbone that allows $2.14B in goods to reach global markets.