On account of contributions of Cambodia Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ), annual per capita income of 2018 in Sihanouk Province is 3358 dollars, on the top list of Cambodia. SSEZ has developed into the best economic zone in Cambodia over the past ten years. Changes including promotion of industrialization, provision of secure and lucrative jobs lead both economic and social development.

Makaranow works as a team leader in a production department of a garment factory in SSEZ with 450 dollars per month. Before that, she used to help selling agricultural products at home with much lower income struggling to feed the family.Employment in SSEZ raised the family living standard a lot. They bought car and built new house. According to Makara, over twenty siblings of her works here. In spite of stable income, they can take care of each other. Families like Makara’s are everywhere in SSEZ. Statistically, the creation of employment positions is 29000, providing job opportunities for 70 percent of families in Prey Nob District and improving their living standards.

Despite that, SSEZ drove the development of local business and service industry. In the nearest village, Bet Trang, villagers saw business opportunities with the increase of population thus opened shops selling clothes, vegetables and commodities. Shao jean has six sibling andfive of them works in SSEZ while she and her older brother set up a car wash shop of which per month profit is estimated from 400 to 500 dollars, acquiring wealth near home.

Witnessing the transformation of a barren land into a bustling place, Samrong is filled with emotions. Ten years ago, the village was covered by bushes and villagers mainly made livings through farming and hunting. In recent years, SSEZ offered them job opportunities and stable incomes. Meanwhile, its attraction for outsiders resulted in population increase and local prosperity.

A cement pavement lined with shops, pedestrians coming and going, in today’s Bet Trang village, busy scene of crowds is everywhere during commuting time. From a barren land to a bustling place, SSEZ is constructing a broad road towards beautiful life for local people through pragmatic developments.