PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet met with leaders of four Chinese companies in Beijing, China this week to discuss multi-billion dollar investment projects in Cambodia.

In a meeting with Mr. Wang Bo, Chairman of China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), Samdech Thipadei congratulated CMEC on the success of its investment in Cambodia and welcomed its additional investment projects contributing to the Kingdom's development.

Mr. Wang Bo said that CMEC will invest in a $3-billion joint venture with two Cambodian companies in gas energy in the next ten years.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also expressed his support for Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group's intention to expand its investment in Cambodia, especially in real estate, health, and satellite. He encouraged the company to work with Cambodian relevant ministries and institutions.

China Metro Group Chairman Mr. Li Kuo informed Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet of the progress of the company's study on two lightweight railway development projects connecting Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport to Siem Reap provincial city and from Techo International Airport to Phnom Penh capital.

He added that his company will also study various possibilities to help ease the traffic burden in Cambodia. Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet encouraged the company to continue its study on lightweight railway development projects in Phnom Penh and the provinces of Kandal and Siem Reap and voiced his support for the traffic-related projects that China Metro Group has been studying in Cambodia.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also met with Mr. Wang Jianping, Chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), to discuss railway development in Cambodia. He emphasized two goals: the feasibility study on the repair and modernization of the existing railway lines, and the study on the railway connection from Phnom Penh to Bavet and from Poipet to Siem Reap, as well as to the border with Vietnam via Stung Treng and Mondulkiri provinces.

Mr. Wang Jianping told Samdech Thipadei about the progress of his company in Cambodia. To date, he added, CRCC has a total of 53 investment projects in the Kingdom with a capital of approximately $5.3 billion. The company also plans to invest in three more major projects, including a data management center in support of e-government, Phnom Penh-Siem Reap and Phnom Penh-Poipet railway projects, and clean water supply project in provinces along the Mekong River.

The multi-billion dollar investment projects between Cambodia and China are expected to boost the Kingdom's economy and create jobs. The projects will also help to improve Cambodia's infrastructure and connectivity.