Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin (right) shakes hands with Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Mang Sineth. Sihanoukville municipal administration
Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin and Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Mang Sineth have committed to deepening cooperation between China and the province in trade, investment, tourism and efforts to combat online gambling and telecommunications fraud.
The announcement came after a December 30 meeting, where Wang emphasised the importance of the collaboration in positioning Preah Sihanouk as a model for provincial-level partnerships between the two nations.
Writing on his Facebook page, Wang stated, “Congratulations to Preah Sihanouk province for achieving a GDP per capita of over $4,000. The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone [SSEZ], invested in by China, contributes to more than half of the province's GDP. Chinese tourists remain the largest group of international visitors to the province.”
Long Dimanche, deputy provincial governor and provincial spokesperson, highlighted the ambassador’s pledge to attract more investors, enhance trade and promote the province’s potential to Chinese tourists.
He noted that the province’s master development plan focuses on international trade, logistics, infrastructure, industry, agri-industry and the establishment of an international financial hub, creating abundant opportunities for investors.
Regarding crime prevention, Dimanche said, “Sharing information is a crucial element in combating illegal online gambling, fraud and all forms of trafficking. The handling of online crimes has significantly improved due to the firm commitment of the government and authorities to eliminating these offences.”
A view of downtown Sihanoukville in December. Hong Raksmey
Economic researcher Hong Vanak from the Royal Academy of Cambodia remarked that Preah Sihanouk’s GDP per capita reaching $4,000, as noted by Wang, reflects its rapid development, driven by its growing population and rising income levels. However, Cambodia’s national GDP per capita remains below $3,000.
Vanak emphasised the need for effective revenue management in the province to ensure the nation benefits from the province’s development.
“If we fail to manage and collect revenue, the investments in this province will not yield significant benefits for the nation. Sharing the profits from development to create a more equitable society is a key responsibility of leaders. Development cannot only benefit a small group of people,” he said.
He concluded that fair distribution of the benefits of the Kingdom’s growth across all social classes is crucial to prevent widening inequality between the rich and the poor, whether in Preah Sihanouk or the country as a whole.
