ERIA President Presents SEZ Study Findings to Cambodian Prime Minister

Phnom Penh, 9 February 2026: ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe met with H.E. Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, to present the findings of ERIA's completed study supporting Cambodia's economic development, with a particular focus on special economic zones (SEZs).

The study was undertaken at the request of the Prime Minister following meetings held in late 2024 and in 2025. The discussion on 9 February centred on the study's key analytical findings and policy recommendations, including options to strengthen the role of SEZs in advancing Cambodia's industrial development and investment competitiveness.

Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his appreciation for ERIA's continued support and welcomed the study's independent, evidence-based policy recommendations.

President Watanabe thanked the Prime Minister for his trust in ERIA and highlighted the close co-operation with the Prime Minister's Office and relevant institutions, including the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Council for the Development of Cambodia, and other partner organisations involved in the study.

President Watanabe also underscored Cambodia's strong potential to develop into a new regional industrial base and noted the country's continued attractiveness to international investors.