Sihanoukville Port Transformation: Cambodia and Japan Establish Strategic Roadmap for Regional Logistics Hub
Joint Coordinating Committee identifies four priority pillars to modernize the Kingdom’s deep-sea gateway and enhance regional connectivity
Cambodia and Japan have reached a landmark agreement on four strategic pillars to accelerate the development of the Sihanoukville Port Master Plan. This cooperation aims to swiftly transform the facility into a world-class regional port and logistics center.
The agreement was finalized during the first meeting of the Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) on January 29, 2026, co-chaired by His Excellency Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, and His Excellency Ueno Atsushi, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia, with representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and relevant stakeholders in attendance.
During the session, Ambassador Ueno Atsushi emphasized that the development of this master plan serves as a powerful testament to the 73-year bond of friendship between Cambodia and Japan. He noted that the project aligns with the shared vision and commitment previously established by the top leadership of both nations to bolster Cambodia’s maritime capabilities.
His Excellency Peng Ponea expressed profound gratitude to the Government of Japan and JICA for their unwavering support and close partnership, particularly in the critical sectors of transport and logistics. The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing on four essential work priorities:
- Strategic Concept Definition: Establishing the conceptual framework for the “Regional Port and Logistics Center” to ensure it meets international trade requirements.
- Implementation Action Plan: Developing a detailed roadmap and timeline to guide the execution of the master plan projects.
- Port Management and Operation Improvement: Establishing a dedicated committee to enhance governance, operational efficiency, and service quality at the port.
- Digitalization through Port EDI: Modernizing and expanding the Port Electronic Data Interchange (Port EDI) system to streamline administrative procedures and improve data transparency.
This strategic roadmap is expected to significantly enhance Cambodia’s competitive edge in the global supply chain. By integrating advanced management structures with digital infrastructure, Sihanoukville Port is set to become the primary engine for the Kingdom’s economic growth, facilitating more efficient trade and solidifying its position as a key maritime gateway in the ASEAN region. (read more)
