Kingdom’s first ‘smart city’ to be a magnet for investments

Kingdom’s first ‘smart city’ to be a magnet for investments

The government has high hopes that Sihanoukville will be the country’s first smart city and a magnet for foreign investment once coastal infrastructure development is completed.

Prime Minister Hun Sen said during a meeting on Monday that with the construction of new roads and infrastructure equipped with smart lighting and security camera installations, which has cost $300 million, Sihanoukville is now the first smart city in Cambodia and better than Phnom Penh.

“I can say that Preah Sihanouk province has become one of the leading smart cities in the country. Our main goal now is to make it into a multi-purpose city,” he said.

In urging other cities to opt for installation of smart lights, Hun Sen said Sihanoukville has benefited from more than 5,000 smart lights, which illuminate the city while dramatically cutting power costs.

Preah Sihanouk provincial Chamber of Commerce vice-president Khut Sophorn told The Post on Tuesday that the economy and the number of investors will soon increase in Preah Sihanouk province.

While it is known as a potential location for investment in all business sectors, it also has natural scenery and beautiful beaches, he said.

Oem Senghou, branch manager of Century 21 Zillion Holding in Preah Sihanouk province, said the area will be the main pillar of Cambodia’s economy and the real estate sector will grow even more in the future.

“Improved infrastructure and urban civilization will boost tourist arrivals and investment in Preah Sihanouk province,” he said.

Preah Sihanouk provincial administration spokesman Kheang Phearom said the current activities involving Sihanoukville’s infrastructure development and smart lighting equipment are not fully complete.

“Through the development of special infrastructure, especially the 34 roads that are being built, we expect Preah Sihanouk province will see continuous economic growth and attract national and international tourists as well as investors in many sectors,” he said.

Credited: The Phnom Penh Post