PHNOM PENH: H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, met with a delegation from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) on December 1, 2024, following his participation in the 29th Angkor Wat International Half Marathon in Siem Reap province.
During the meeting, Mr. Lu Wei, Chairman of SAI, reported on the airport’s impressive performance. The airport welcomed 1.3 million passengers in the first 11 months of 2024 and is projected to reach 1.4 million by the end of the year and 2 million in 2025.
Mr. Wei highlighted their efforts to attract tourists, especially from China, and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) for its timely support in installing the airport’s water supply network.
Mr. Wei also sought MISTI’s collaboration on plans to develop the surrounding area, focusing on high-value-added industries. He noted that the Yunnan Investment Group has committed to further investing in the airport and its vicinity.
Minister Vanndy commended the company’s long-term investment in Cambodia and congratulated them on the increasing passenger numbers. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the company in attracting both tourists and industries to the region.
He emphasized the importance of companies’ success, as thriving local industries would lead to increased air cargo, further boosting the airport and its development zone.
H.E. Minister Vanndy also stressed the importance of information sharing for coordinated planning, particularly regarding infrastructure projects like water supply.
The newly opened Siem Reap International Airport, located approximately 50 kilometers from Siem Reap’s cultural center, began operations in October 2023. Designed to handle up to 7 million passengers annually, the modern airport serves as a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat and numerous ancient temples.