Cambodia Investment Review
The European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham), through its Transport and Logistics Committee, is ramping up efforts to support Cambodia’s maritime logistics development, following a strategic visit to the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) on May 1. The engagement comes amid growing concern over the port’s readiness to handle rising trade volumes, driven by regional sourcing shifts and increased investor interest in Cambodia’s trade infrastructure.
The delegation, led by EuroCham Vice-Chairman Tassilo Brinzer and Transport & Logistics Committee Vice-Chairman Rutger Heijsteeg—who also serves as Managing Director of Maersk Cambodia—was welcomed by H.E. Lou Kimchhun, Chairman and CEO of PAS. The visit was initiated following an invitation from H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, in response to logistics concerns raised during the recent Cambodia–EU Public-Private Sector Dialogue.
Port Expansion and Future Capacity
During the visit, PAS leadership presented an overview of the port’s operational status and detailed its forward-looking development roadmap. Key upgrades include berth expansions and the procurement of advanced cargo-handling machinery, aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing congestion. The port is targeting a throughput capacity of 3 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) by 2032, a milestone that would firmly position PAS as a regional logistics hub for Southeast Asia.
The meeting addressed ongoing logistical bottlenecks that affect import-export flow and shipping timelines. In response, EuroCham representatives proposed several efficiency-boosting measures, including the implementation of a trusted truck driver registration system and a dual-window traffic lane model. This approach would reserve dedicated access for pre-registered drivers, streamlining entry and exit processes and minimizing waiting times.
Industry Feedback and Continued Support
Speaking on behalf of the Transport & Logistics Committee, Heijsteeg emphasized the strategic importance of the port’s competitiveness for the broader Cambodian economy.
“It is our joint intention to support PAS to be the most efficient, cost-effective, and therefore competitive port,” said Heijsteeg. “Especially in light of increasing import taxes, these improvements are essential to sustaining Cambodia’s economic growth. Our committee, supported by industry-leading members, is ready to contribute expertise and resources where needed.”
EuroCham reiterated its commitment to fostering public-private cooperation and confirmed its intention to remain engaged with PAS and other relevant government stakeholders to drive continued progress in the sector.
About EuroCham and Its Transport & Logistics Committee
Established in 2011, EuroCham Cambodia represents over 400 European businesses operating in the Kingdom. Its Transport & Logistics Committee brings together a broad spectrum of companies, including shipping lines, freight forwarders, airlines, logistics firms, and industry consultants. The committee serves as a platform to advocate for improvements in the transport and logistics sector—an area recognized as critical for Cambodia’s trade competitiveness.
Committee objectives include promoting transparency in import-export processes, supporting policy development through position papers and the EuroCham White Book, and aligning with agencies such as CAMFFA, GMAC, and government-private sector working groups to enhance the sector’s regulatory and operational environment.
As the Kingdom continues to position itself as a regional trade and manufacturing hub, such collaborations between the private sector and public institutions remain vital to unlocking growth and investment opportunities.
