AKP Phnom Penh, August 11, 2026 -- The Special Programme to Promote Investment in the Four Northeastern Provinces (SPIN Programme) Working Group held a face-to-face discussion with businesspeople in Mondulkiri province to promote the implementation of the SPIN Programme 2025-2028 and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The meeting, held at Mondulkiri Provincial Hall on Aug. 10, was led by H.E. Dr. Hean Sahib, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Chairman of the SPIN Programme, at the invitation of H.E. Kong Kimny, Governor of Mondulkiri province.

H.E. Kong Kimny briefed participants on the province’s socio-economic development and investment plans, while H.E. Dr. Hean Sahib outlined progress in implementing the special programme.

Both stressed the importance of accelerating the preparation of a master plan for land use, with support from the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, to protect Mondulkiri’s natural environment and promote sustainable tourism.

The meeting also explained investment incentives and simplified procedures under the programme. SMEs can benefit from relaxed minimum investment capital requirements, while businesses operating in the four northeastern provinces that have not yet registered for tax can voluntarily do so by the end of 2026 without penalties, tax debts or fines for past non-compliance.

Businesses also raised concerns over project applications, particularly land issues, slow institutional registration, land titles, telecommunications services and electricity costs. The working group clarified that state land use applications require careful assessment of land conditions, legal compliance, investment capacity and investor commitment.

The SPIN Programme was officially launched on April 9, 2025, by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet to develop the Northeast as a new economic pole, focusing on agriculture, agro-industry and tourism.

As of Aug. 3, 2026, the SPIN Programme had received 72 proposals worth US$2.65 billion, including 22 projects in Mondulkiri valued at US$511 million and potentially creating 5,003 jobs.

By Sum Kosal