AKP Phnom Penh, January 15, 2026 -- 

Cambodia’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) on Jan. 14 held a high-level discussion with Japanese technical experts on the development of a master plan to transform Sihanoukville Port into a regional port and logistics centre, underscoring growing cooperation between the two countries in infrastructure planning.

The discussion led by H.E. Mrs. Koy Sodany, Permanent Secretary of State at the MPWT, and a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), led by Mr. Koichi Miyake, President of the Overseas Coastal Area Development Institute of Japan (OCDI), at the Ministry office in Phnom Penh with the participation of relevant officials and technical specialists.

The meeting focused on reviewing the preparation of a preliminary report and action plan for the implementation of the master plan, as well as outlining next steps. Key agenda items included the establishment of an inter-agency working group, preparations for the first Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) meeting, and the organisation of a consultative workshop scheduled for February.

H.E. Mrs. Koy Sodany expressed appreciation to the Japanese technical advisory team for presenting the project’s work plan and for conducting in-person consultations with relevant Cambodian ministries and institutions to gather input for the master plan. 

She encouraged the team to further refine the scope of the study, the structure of the working group, and the agenda for upcoming coordination meetings to ensure effective implementation.

The Permanent Secretary of State also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to close cooperation with the Japanese side, to ensure the master plan is comprehensive in line with the agreed timetable.

The Sihanoukville Port master plan is expected to play a key role in strengthening Cambodia’s maritime connectivity and positioning the port as a strategic logistics hub in the region.

By Sum Kosal