Context and Opportunity

Cambodia is creating an opportunity to shape the future of its economy and is preparing to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029. As global supply chains shift toward low-carbon production, greener industries are becoming both a competitive necessity for export-reliant nations such as Cambodia, as well as an opportunity for new investment.

A Green Special Economic Zone (GSEZ) provides a practical pathway to build greener industries and attract international investment. It is designed to draw investment into cleaner manufacturing whilst also creating industrial clusters with strong local supply chains.

Growth Gateway supported the Government of Cambodia to develop a GSEZ through feasibility analysis, market engagement, and UK trade positioning. The flagship Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is part of the UK–Cambodia Strategic Infrastructure Partnership endorsed by the Prime Minister. The intervention led a technical, commercial, and financial feasibility study and engaged stakeholders to build market interest. It embedded PPP standards to strengthen procurement transparency and value for money, while identifying potential supply chain opportunities for UK firms.

Key highlights

Support Provided

Assessed GSEZ feasibility and developed the business model

Built the technical, financial, and commercial case for the GSEZ Public-Private Partnership

• Confirmed feasibility across technical, commercial, and financial dimensions, including flood-risk mitigation as well as the site masterplan
• Developed GSEZ PPP model and commercial principles, setting the foundation for future negotiations and procurement

Impact Achieved

~£74M

Estimated potential tax revenue to be generated by GSEZ

Deepened private sector engagement

Engaged developers, financiers and UK partners to build market interest and strengthen procurement

• Sustained developer interest through 1:1 engagements, while strengthening procurement transparency via market re-tests
• Engaged UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Multilateral Development Banks to expand GSEZ financing options

2

International developers with demonstrated significant interested in the GSEZ

Identified UK future market opportunity in the GSEZ

Mapped GSEZ components and UK suppliers positioned to win future contracts

• Identified 7 high-potential components and 8 medium-potential components where UK firms can win contracts
• Pinpointed UK suppliers with proven Cambodia and Southeast Asia track records

~£25M

UK future market opportunity in the GSEZ supply chain