Japan-Cambodia Association (JCA) director Tsutomu Tamura (third left) and Banteay Meanchey provincial governor Um Reatrey (fourth left) at the meeting on Tuesday. BANTEAY MEANCHEY PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATION
The Japan-Cambodia Association (JCA) is seeking additional investment in the agricultural sector of Banteay Meanchey province, where most Japanese investors act in the electronics manufacturing and auto assembly markets.
During a visit to the northwestern province on the Thai border, JCA director and Nippon Koei Co Ltd general manager Tsutomu Tamura on February 1 met with provincial governor Um Reatrey.
Tamura said he had gone on the trip to learn more about the potential of the province, observe the rewards and challenges associated with the operation of the Japanese factories based in Poipet town, and gain other important insights.
“The JCA plans to lead Japanese investors on a visit to Cambodia, especially to Banteay Meanchey, a province with potential in agriculture, paddy rice, cassava and tourism,” he said.
The governor said that the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Administration is “always ready” to support the JCA’s initiatives and collaborate on any activities that could potentially bring economic prosperity to the province.
Reatrey called on the JCA to promote tourism and investment to Banteay Meanchey, especially in agriculture, saying that 85 per cent of the province’s 790,000 population is engaged in farming – highlighting the sector’s untapped potential for investment.
Banteay Meanchey provincial Chamber of Commerce president Chhoeung ChhivIen told The Post on February 2 that most high-rolling Japanese businesspeople based in the province invest in electronics manufacturing and auto assembly in the Sanco Poipet Special Economic Zone.
He suggested Japanese and other foreign investors look into agricultural product processing in the province, saying that major investments could have a meaningful impact on farmers, significantly helping them overcome market challenges.
Reatrey noted that the province has three primary border gates with Thailand – Poipet, Boeung Trakuon and Malai.
He also listed five major industrial zones in the province – Poipet-O’Neang Special Economic Zone, Sanco Poipet Special Economic Zone, Poipet PP Special Economic Zone and Ly Utny Special Economic Zone in Poipet town; and Sisophon Industrial Park in the provincial capital of Sisophon.
