A sean delegates from Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines visited Koh Kong on September 8 to evaluate the province's investment potential. Provincial Governor Yuth Phou was reported as saying the failure to complete construction of Route 48 between Koh Kong and Sre Ambel was holding back the province's economic development .

Virakphand Vacharathit, Thai Ambassador to Cambodia, said Koh Kong province has large potential and abundant natural resources to attract tourists and investors. Asean delegates questioned Phou about the border, security, tourism and investment.