PHNOM PENH: Kampong Speu province is extending a warm invitation to Chinese entrepreneurs, urging them to explore investment opportunities beyond garment manufacturing. Governor H.E. Dr. Cheam Chansophorn met with a delegation of 50 business leaders from China’s Zhejiang province on July 16th.

“We encourage Chinese entrepreneurs to study investment opportunities in various fields in our province,” Governor Chansophorn remarked, highlighting sectors like agriculture, industry, agro-industry, mining, and energy.

The Governor emphasized Kampong Speu’s established manufacturing base: “Currently, the province boasts over 400 factories employing more than 160,000 workers, primarily in garment, footwear, and consumer goods.” Impressively, “about 90 percent of these factories are invested by Chinese investors,” he added.

Oknha Chim Kheang, representing the Chinese delegation, expressed keen interest in Kampong Speu. “Large companies in Zhejiang province are very attracted to Cambodia, particularly Kampong Speu,” he explained. The province’s geographical advantage was a key factor.

“The interconnected roads and close proximity to the international port make transportation very convenient,” Oknha Chim Kheang noted. He did, however, highlight a request: “We would appreciate the Royal Government, particularly the Kampong Speu provincial administration, to prepare the workforce and human resources to meet our needs.”

This focus on Kampong Speu reflects a wider trend. In the first half of 2024, the province emerged as a magnet for investment, attracting the highest number of new projects (43) compared to other provinces. Svay Rieng followed closely behind with 40 projects.

Nationally, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) greenlit a remarkable 190 new projects during this period, representing a total investment value of US$3.2 billion and creating an estimated 168,572 new jobs.