(Sihanoukville): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that companies operating within Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and posing no significant environmental risk will be exempt from conducting additional Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).

The premier spoke on Friday (May 1) during a ceremony marking the 140th anniversary of International Workers' Day and the 30th anniversary of Japan’s cooperation with Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.

In his address, the prime minister acknowledged concerns from private-sector investors about overlapping EIA requirements that have caused delays and increased complexity. He noted that SEZs already undergo environmental assessments before receiving operating licenses, ensuring controls over pollution such as emissions and wastewater discharge.

“I have agreed in principle that factories in clearly designated SEZs with low environmental risk will not need additional EIAs. Responsibility will rest with the SEZs,” he said.

Under this approach, SEZ operators will be held accountable for any environmental violations within their zones, even as administrative burdens on investors are reduced.

Additionally, the prime minister reaffirmed that the Ministry of Environment retains full authority to conduct inspections at any time. Non-compliance will result in legal responsibility for the SEZ, while high-risk industries or zones lacking sufficient technical capacity will still require stricter oversight and additional assessments.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underscored that cutting redundant procedures does not mean weakening environmental protection. Instead, the policy aims to balance efficiency with accountability by clearly assigning responsibility and maintaining regulatory oversight.
=FRESH NEWS