PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has become an attractive tourist, investment and trade destination in Asia, said Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet while pressing over the official opening ceremony of the 8th River Festival in Siem Reap provincial city this evening.

The Premier also laid stress on the significance of the tourism sector, saying that it is a key driving force for Cambodia’s economic growth in the last 30 years.

Samdech Thipadei called on relevant ministries and institutions to continue to prioritise the development of riverine areas, particularly in the provinces around the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake, to build essential infrastructure supporting tourism, enhance connectivity, and improve transportation.

The 8th River Festival has been taking place from Mar. 15 to 17 along the Siem Reap River, between the Royal Residence and Wat Bo pagoda, to promote tourism potential along the riparian provinces in Cambodia.

Under the theme “River for Peace and Development,” this year’s event features art performances and concerts by national and international artists, a fireworks display, local products exhibition, a tourism fair, a Mekong food festival, and entertainment activities.

River Festival is organised every year on a rotation basis by the riparian provinces, and the first event was organised in Kratie in 2015, followed by the second in Stung Treng, the third in Kampong Cham and Thbong Khmum, the fourth in Kandal, the fifth in Kampong Chhnang, the sixth in Battambang, and the seventh in Kampong Thom.