DPM urges stronger investment, agribusiness growth in K Thom

Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Visoth speaks at the closing ceremony of the Kampong Thom Provincial Administration’s annual conference on Friday, outlining 2026 economic and development priorities. OCM

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Synopsis: Visoth asks the provincial authorities to prioritise inclusive economic development by facilitating local investment, improving access to finance and strengthening financial literacy.

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Visoth on Friday called for stronger investment promotion, accelerated agribusiness development and improved governance to drive sustainable economic growth in Kampong Thom province in 2026.

Presiding over the closing ceremony of the Kampong Thom Provincial Administration’s annual conference on January 23, Vissoth, Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the Royal Government Working Group for Kampong Thom, reviewed the province’s 2025 performance and set out strategic priorities for the year ahead.

The conference brought together representatives from relevant ministries and institutions, leaders of royal government working groups at municipal and district levels, members of provincial and municipal councils, commune and sangkat councils, as well as senior officials of the Kampong Thom Provincial Administration.

After hearing a comprehensive report by Kampong Thom Governor Nuon Pharat on administrative and socio-economic achievements in 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister commended local authorities, civil servants and security forces for maintaining stability and advancing development in a challenging environment marked by regional uncertainty and global economic volatility.

He noted that despite pressures such as returning migrant workers, livelihood disruptions and rising global risks, the provincial administration had continued to deliver public services and support vulnerable groups while keeping development projects on track. These efforts, he said, were critical to sustaining investor confidence and social cohesion at the local level.

Referring to the broader international context, the Deputy Prime Minister warned that global divisions and the weakening of rules-based cooperation posed growing risks for small and developing economies. In response, he stressed the need for Cambodia to strengthen its economic foundations, national unity and institutional discipline to safeguard long-term development.

“A strong economy is the backbone of national resilience,” he said, urging all levels of government to work collectively to raise productivity, attract quality investment and expand domestic value creation.

Agriculture remains at the centre of Kampong Thom’s economy, with around 73 percent of the population dependent on farming-related livelihoods. Visoth called on the provincial administration to finalise and implement the Kampong Thom Provincial Agricultural Development Plan 2026-2030, with clear objectives for key products and value chains.

He called for agricultural diversification, productivity improvements and commercialisation, including better access to fertilisers, improved rice seeds and drying facilities.

On investment promotion, he urged stronger governance and a more predictable business environment to attract both domestic and foreign investors. He pointed to several major projects under preparation or implementation, including a cashew industrial park, an agro-industrial park, a $500 million monkey farming project and a $300 million pearl farming project, as well as investments in rice processing, rubber, cassava, aquaculture and dairy farming. “These projects have the potential to anchor new value chains, create jobs and increase export earnings if implemented effectively and transparently,” he said.

Tourism was identified as another key growth pillar, particularly the development of the Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex and its surrounding areas. Visoth said the newly approved tourism development mechanism, linked with the Stung Sen city tourism zone, should be implemented swiftly to support local businesses, hospitality services and cultural industries.

-Khmer Times-