PHNOM PENH-January 18, 2024:  Mr. Long Dimanche, Deputy Governor of Preah Sihanouk Province, welcomed a delegation from Beihai, China, led by Ms. Tan Xiuhong, a permanent member of the Municipal Committee and Deputy Governor of the Beihai city.

The visit aimed to explore trade and investment opportunities in Sihanoukville, a Cambodian coastal province brimming with potential.

Mr. Dimanche painted a vivid picture of Sihanoukville, highlighting its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and diverse population, including a significant Chinese community.

He emphasized the province's ongoing transformation into a multi-purpose Special Economic Zone (SEZ), encompassing:​ a deep-sea port, railway development projects, and an international trade and logistics hub, where it could facilitate seamless movement of goods.

Sihanoukville is also keen to become an international multimodal transport hub: integrating air, land, and sea transportation, an international Financial Center: attracting investment and fostering economic growth, a luxury tourist destination: Offering pristine beaches, world-class hospitality, and unique cultural experiences and a leading smart city: embracing technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Mr. Dimanche underscored Cambodia's favorable investment climate, including preferential tariff frameworks and trade agreements. He further emphasized the government's commitment to Sihanoukville's development, citing the “Measures to package stagnant investment projects in Sihanoukville” initiative and the upcoming “Special program to promote Investment in Sihanoukville 2024” to be launched by Prime Minister Hun Manet.

The delegation, impressed by Sihanoukville's rapid progress, expressed keen interest in collaboration. Ms. Tan Xiuhong, drawing parallels with Beihai's successful development, proposed initiatives to strengthen ties and boost trade by organizing trade fairs in Asia, facilitating the flow of raw materials, semi-finished products, and finished goods between Sihanoukville's SEZs and China.