The delegation from the Kingdom’s four coastal provinces deliver a presentation during their trip to Shenzhen on February 17. Preah Sihanouk provincial administration
Economic experts believe that a visit to Shenzhen, China by the leaders of Cambodia's four coastal provinces will have provided invaluable knowledge and experience that can be used to strengthen and expand the development of the provinces. Shenzhen is a major commercial port city.
On February 16, the governors of the four coastal provinces — Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, Kampot and Kep — led a delegation to Shenzhen.
According to a press release from the Secretariat of the Master Plan to Develop Cambodia’s Coastal Provinces, the purpose of the trip was to promote economic cooperation and explore creative investment opportunities in Cambodia.
During the visit, the delegation toured leading institutions and key economic zones in Shenzhen to gain insights into practices that could benefit the economic development of the Kingdom’s coastal provinces.
The delegation also met with authorities, executives and heads of leading companies in China to promote and showcase the investment potential of Cambodia.
Lor Vichet, vice-president of the Cambodia Chinese Commerce Association (CCCA), told The Post on February 24 that four major cities that have played key roles in driving China’s economic growth over the years: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Each of the latter three are seaports,and serve as hubs for commerce, industry and services.
He believed that as Shenzhen is a coastal city with an international port and one of China’s leading commercial cities, the visit would certainly benefit the development of the coastal provinces, particularly Sihanoukville, the capital of Preah Sihanouk, which the government has designated a “Special Economic Zone and Multifunctional Model”.
“Because Cambodia’s coastal provinces have similar geographical and commercial characteristics to Shenzhen, such as ports and factories, there is an opportunity for a Cambodian coastal province, especially at Sihanoukville, to become Cambodia’s ‘second Shenzhen’. I am optimistic that Cambodia can apply the successful practices that Shenzhen has implemented over the years,” he said.
He also pointed out that Shenzhen is located near the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, an area known for development across all sectors.
This aligns with Cambodia’s plan to transform Sihanoukville into a “Special Economic Zone of Multifunctional Model”.
“Shenzhen is a city with a vibrant port and strong commercial activity. I think the key feature of Shenzhen that could serve as a model for Cambodia is its development of its port to better serve as a foundation to attract and facilitate trade of all kinds, particularly exports and imports to and from international markets. This is very important as Cambodia is striving to promote economic growth,” he said.
He added that Shenzhen’s excellent urban development plans provide useful experiences for developing cities in Cambodia, particularly those in coastal provinces.
According to Vichet, there are currently factories producing iPhones in Shenzhen.
Chea Kok Hong, director of the coastal master plan secretariat, lauded the results of the delegation’s meetings.
“The study visit was a great success! Our delegation gained great insights into Shenzhen’s practical approach to administrative and economic oversight, and how Shenzhen, as a local governance authority, builds and strengthens platforms and institutions to attract and ease the setup and operation of investment in the city,” he said.
He believed the trip would make a significant contribution toward the development of Cambodia’s coastal provinces into multi-purpose special economic zones and a comprehensive economic corridor by leveraging Shenzhen’s successful development model.
The delegation expressed confidence that these insights will support Cambodia’s efforts to attract foreign investment, enhance governance and foster sustainable economic growth.
