An aerial view of the special economic zone in Preah Sihanouk province. SUN CHANTHUL VIA FB
Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration spokesman Kheang Phearom has announced plans for a forthcoming special economic zone (SEZ) in Prey Nop district, following a recent meeting between governor Kuoch Chamroeun and a delegation from China’s Liaoning province.
The Chinese delegation was led by Wang Mingyu, vice-chair of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference of Liaoning province.
Phearom said the precise location, land area and scale of capital investment for the SEZ were still subject to detailed evaluation on the Chinese side.
He noted that there are 11 SEZs in the province, with four currently in operation.
A social media post by the provincial administration said the meeting between Chamroeun and Wang transpired in a good atmosphere between Cambodia and China, as Prime Minister Hun Manet recently returned from an official visit to Beijing where he met with Chinese leaders and major companies.
“The government has designated Preah Sihanouk province as a model multi-purpose SEZ for land use and oriented the province as an SEZ hub, which would provide convenience to investors and also attract tourists,” Chamroeun stated.
Wang said the visit, which coincided with the 65th anniversary of Sino-Cambodian diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), had a specific focus on Preah Sihanouk.
“In 2019, a delegation from Liaoning visited Preah Sihanouk, establishing a sister province relationship. This visit will aid in expediting the SEZ’s development. We are committed to enhancing SEZ management and extending an invitation to a delegation from Preah Sihanouk to visit Liaoning,” he said.
Wang also stated his commitment to showcase Preah Sihanouk’s potential and attract investors, extending this initiative beyond Liaoning province to include investors from various regions across China.
Chamroeun accepted the invitation to visit Liaoning at a suitable juncture, while also suggesting that the delegation consider accepting youths from Preah Sihanouk for future studies in Liaoning.
