PHNOM PENH – The National Committee for Coastal Management and Development is putting effort into transforming Cambodia’s four coastal areas into “modern national economic poles with sustainability, attainability, health, happiness and clean coastal tourism destinations”. 

These areas are Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, Kampot and Kep provinces. 

Pen Sophal, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, said on Nov. 25 that the development of these areas aims to support the country’s goal of achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050. 

“The committee has strengthened the formulation of policies, laws and legal documents on coastal management and development,” Sophal said.  

“Draft laws on coastal management, land management and urban planning are in the process of being submitted for approval in accordance with applicable procedures. 

“The committee will develop a high-standard public beach resort named ‘Techo Beach, Santepheap Kep’ spanning 2,700 meters from Kep crab market to the mangrove forest in Thmey village in Kep city.  

“Additionally, the committee plans to establish cycling routes across coastal provinces. The committee will also organize tourist ports and infrastructure improvement and development projects in these areas,” he said. 

A competition called “Cambodia: My Motherland, My City, My Coast, In My Heart” has been organized to accelerate development activities in transforming these four coastal areas into the modern national economic poles.

Previously, Land Management Minister Say Samal said coastal areas play a crucial role for the growth, generating nearly $2 billion annually. 

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Rin Ousa for Cambodianess.