Provincial governor Nguon Ratanak met with a representative of the Chinese investment company and Duong Dara, secretary of state of the Office of the Council of Ministers on August 9 to discuss the investment in agriculture. KAMPONG THOM ADMINISTRATION
A Chinese agricultural investment firm has set its sights on the fertile lands of Kampong Thom province, sparking hopes of economic growth and job creation in the region.
After extensive research, the company revealed its interest in investing in several hectares of land for the cultivation of crops like cassava, corn and grass breeding.
Provincial governor Nguon Ratanak met with a representative of the Chinese investment company and Duong Dara, secretary of state of the Office of the Council of Ministers on August 9 to discuss the investment in agriculture.
The announcement was met with hearty congratulations and support from provincial authorities, departments and the local community.
“This is the second meeting of its kind as the Chinese investment company has completed its research on investment plans in the province. They have decided to meet again with us to discuss the investment work,” said Ratanak.
Ratanak was also keen to highlight the suitability of Kampong Thom for the investment. The province has flat land and abundant water for irrigating crops. More significantly, agriculture is at the heart of the region’s economy.
“We hope that this meeting will be productive and successful in the near future, especially to provide more jobs for people in the province to earn a decent income, reduce migration, and help boost economic revenue in the province,” he said.
“On behalf of the provincial authorities, I am always looking forward to cooperating with the company,” Ratanak added.
According to information from the provincial administration, the Chinese investment firm is highly regarded and recognised by the Chinese government for its expertise in agricultural production.
They found Kampong Thom to be abundant in agricultural resources, notably producing some of the world’s most delicious cashew nuts.
“Chinese investment companies are committed to expanding Cambodia’s cashew market, especially in European and Middle Eastern markets so that people in many countries have the opportunity to enjoy Cambodia’s cashew nuts,” announced a representative of the Chinese investment firm.
In reflection of the partnership, Hong Vannak, an economist at the International Relation Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, praised the cooperative relationship between the Cambodian and Chinese governments.
He said that through such investments in agriculture, agricultural product processing and agro-industry, the economic prospects for Cambodia have been greatly illuminated.
