During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, Laos, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced a new Chinese grant of 300 million yuan (approximately $42.4 million) to fund infrastructure projects in Cambodia.

China committed to providing an additional 300 million yuan (approximately $42.4 million) to fund infrastructure projects in Cambodia. This grant will contribute to the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and enhance connectivity.

In addition to the financial assistance, both leaders discussed plans to develop a master plan for the Fish and Rice Corridor, an industrial and technological corridor aimed at boosting Cambodia’s agricultural exports to China. This initiative is part of China’s broader efforts to support Cambodia’s economic growth and development.

Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his gratitude for China’s continued support and assistance, noting that the grant will play a crucial role in Cambodia’s infrastructure development. Both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as clean energy, infrastructure, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.

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Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated this commitment in a public message, emphasizing that the development of the northeastern region is a priority for the government, regardless of external cooperation.

“With or without the CLV-DTA cooperation, Cambodia will continue to development her northeastern part and to ensure the territory and sovereignty defence because this is the people’s will, especially that of the people living in the northeastern part,” he underlined.

Key development projects, including border marker planting, interconnected infrastructure, and investment incentives, will continue to be implemented. The government will also maintain its focus on border ring road construction, with the support of the Border Infrastructure Development Foundation.

To enhance public awareness and engagement, the government will continue its free tour program to the northeastern region, allowing citizens to witness firsthand the progress made in development.

The Prime Minister also thanked the public for their contributions to the Border Infrastructure Development Foundation and reiterated that the fund-raising campaign will continue until October 31, 2024. He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of the raised funds.

On September 20, 2024, Former Prime Minister Hun Sen, current Cambodian Senate President and the initiator of the CLV-DTA, officially announced Cambodia’s withdrawal from the cooperation after 25 years of involvement.

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This significant achievement, spanning nearly three decades, underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its infrastructure and fostering regional connectivity.

In a special address on August 22, the Prime Minister highlighted the progress made on each border. Cambodia has constructed a total of 685.96 kilometers of roads along the Cambodia-Vietnam border (out of a planned 1,069 kilometers), 455.5 kilometers along the Cambodia-Thai border (out of a planned 509 kilometers), and 179.2 kilometers along the Cambodia-Laos border (out of a planned 377 kilometers).

As part of the government’s efforts to foster transparency and engagement, free tours will be organized for citizens to visit the border and four northeastern provinces: Kratie, Stung Treng, Mondulkiri, and Rattanakiri. These tours will continue until the end of 2024.

The Prime Minister’s announcement comes in response to concerns raised by a small group of political extremists, particularly those residing overseas, who have alleged that Cambodia’s sovereignty has been compromised in the northeastern provinces due to the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) cooperation. The government has consistently refuted these claims and provided evidence to support its position.

By investing in border infrastructure and promoting transparency, Cambodia is demonstrating its commitment to regional integration, economic development, and the well-being of its citizens.

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Thailand topped the list of foreign arrivals to Cambodia during the said period with 1,147,534 visitors, the source added, stressing that Vietnam, China, Lao PDR, the U.S., the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, France, the United Kingdom, and Japan were among the top ten market arrivals in the January-July 2024 period.

Some 1.34 million foreign visitors, or about 36 percent of the total foreign arrivals, arrived in Cambodia by air, a year-on-year increase of 26.4 percent, and the rest via land border gates and waterways, up 21.5 percent, the report continued.

Phnom Penh capital was the most attractive tourism destination for foreign tourists, followed by Siem Reap cultural province and the coastal zone, it underlined.

At the same time, the ministry reported that the number of Cambodia’s outbound tourists rose by 5.9 percent to 1,069,078.

Mr. Thim Sereyvuth, Acting Director of the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Tourism told AKP on Aug. 23 that Siem Reap province is keen to see more tourists as their visits will contribute to the country’s economic growth and local development.

Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia’s economy, in addition to garment, footwear, and travel goods exports; agriculture; and the construction and real estate sectors.

Last year, the Kingdom received some 5.45 million foreign visitors, earning a gross revenue of US$3.08 billion. AKP

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The country’s trade volume with fellow RCEP members accounted for 63 percent of its total trade volume during the January-July period this year, the report said.

The kingdom exported products worth 5.2 billion dollars to RCEP countries, up 13.2 percent, while it recorded the import of goods worth 14.67 billion dollars from RCEP countries, up 18 percent, the report added.

The Southeast Asian nation’s top five trading partners under the regional mega-trade pact are China, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan and Singapore, according to the report.

Entering into force in 2022, RCEP comprises 15 Asia-Pacific countries including 10 ASEAN member states — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — and their five trading partners, namely China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Cambodian Ministry of Commerce’s Secretary of State and spokesperson Penn Sovicheat said RCEP is a driving force for Cambodia’s trade growth and a magnet to attract more foreign direct investments to the kingdom.

“Despite rising protectionism and weakening global demand, RCEP has given a boost to regional trade cooperation, bringing great benefits to all member countries,” he told Xinhua.

“With preferential tariffs granted by the RCEP agreement, there’s no doubt that our export to RCEP countries will continue to rise throughout this year and beyond,” he said.

the RCEP free trade agreement came into effect in January 2022. It encompasses 15 Asia-Pacific nations, including the 10 ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) and five additional trading partners (China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand).

The agreement offers Cambodia preferential tariffs on various exports, including agricultural products, processed goods, and industrial items. Additionally, Cambodia benefits from knowledge and technology transfer, skill development, and foreign direct investment that creates new jobs. (Xinhua)

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The affirmation was made by H.E. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam, during a meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam on the afternoon of July 25 with Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate and President of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.

For economic connectivity, the two sides will help each other in terms of complementary economy, stated the Vietnamese Premier, adding that the Vietnamese side is pleased with the supply of 250 megawatts of electricity to Cambodia, and the agreement will be renewed and signed in 2025, and the supply would rise to 400 megawatts or even more according to the economic development needs of Cambodia.

Both sides also discussed Cambodia-Vietnam-Laos cooperation, as well as the bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, economy, investment, tourism, infrastructure and politics.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen arrived in Hanoi on the morning of July 25 to pay his last respects to late H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee, who passed away on July 19 at the age of 80 years old.

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Thailand leads the pack in terms of visitor source countries, with over 770,000 tourists visiting Cambodia. Following closely behind are Vietnam and China, contributing over 528,000 and 326,000 tourists respectively. Other notable markets include Laos, the US, Korea, and several European and Asian countries.

Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, H.E. Sok Soken, highlighted the significance of China’s growing tourist market. He sees this as an opportunity to not only boost tourism development but also attract investments across various sectors.

Interestingly, the report also reveals an increase in outbound tourism from Cambodia. Roughly 740,000 Cambodians traveled abroad for leisure purposes in the first half of 2024, reflecting a slight year-on-year growth.

Tourism plays a crucial role in Cambodia’s economy, alongside garment exports, agriculture, and construction. The Ministry is optimistic about the industry’s future, aiming to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2025. Their projections indicate a potential 7 million international visitors, exceeding the 2019 figure of 6.6 million.

Cambodia’s tourism appeal is further strengthened by recent accolades. Four of its destinations secured spots on Tripadvisor’s list of Asia’s Best Tourist Attractions. Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat secured the prestigious second place, while Ta Prohm and Bayon temples followed closely behind. Additionally, Phnom Penh’s Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum earned 22nd place.

Beyond the captivating ancient temples, Cambodia boasts a stunning coastline stretching across four southwestern provinces. This 450-kilometer stretch offers pristine beaches, making it a perfect complement to the country’s cultural treasures.

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This strong export performance translates to RCEP countries accounting for a significant portion of Cambodia’s overall trade. RCEP exports made up 39% of the Kingdom’s total trade value of US$10.18 billion during the five-month period.

Overall trade between Cambodia and RCEP members also saw a significant rise, reaching US$14.17 billion, reflecting a 14.2% increase. This translates to RCEP trade representing a substantial 65.57% of Cambodia’s total international trade valued at US$21.61 billion.

For reference, the RCEP free trade agreement came into effect in January 2022. It encompasses 15 Asia-Pacific nations, including the 10 ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) and five additional trading partners (China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand).

The agreement offers Cambodia preferential tariffs on various exports, including agricultural products, processed goods, and industrial items. Additionally, Cambodia benefits from knowledge and technology transfer, skill development, and foreign direct investment that creates new jobs.

H.E. Sok Siphana, Senior Minister in Charge of International and Multilateral Trade and Economic Relations, previously highlighted RCEP’s positive impact on Cambodia’s economic growth. He emphasized the agreement’s role in providing wider market access for Cambodian products and contributing to the country’s sustainable economic development in the long run.

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According to a press release issued after the meeting early this week, the work group aims to achieve three key outcomes.

First, it will establish a framework to facilitate the development of cross-border electricity trading projects in ASEAN, starting from the project between Lao PDR, Cambodia and Singapore. Second, the work group will facilitate regulatory approvals and licences for the generation, export and import of electricity.

It will also develop principles and frameworks to guide project developers on the application and permit processes for subsea surveys and installation of cross-border subsea power cables. And lastly, the work group will explore ways to facilitate commercial arrangements and the development of generation and transmission infrastructure to allow cross-border electricity trading among the three countries.

The first work group meeting, jointly chaired by Singapore’s Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng, Cambodia’s Minister for Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak, and Lao PDR’s Vice-Minister for Energy and Mines Dr. Chansaveng Boungnong.

In the meeting H.E. Keo Rottanak said Cambodia is delighted to collaborate with Singapore and Lao PDR to advance the ASEAN Power Grid.

“Our combined efforts to deepen regional energy integration and share clean energy efficiently set a strong example. We hope this partnership will encourage other ASEAN nations to join us in building a sustainable and interconnected energy network for the region,” he said.

Dr. Chansaveng Boungnong said this project is an important step for Laos to realise the goal of the ASEAN Power Grid and Laos is excited to be an important part of the regional goals for interconnection.

“Furthermore, it will create opportunities for Lao PDR to increase its invaluable resources in green renewable energy to assist the region to meet its clean energy transition and net-zero goals. We hope this project will be a catalyst in promoting further investment in renewable energy in Lao PDR and the ASEAN Region,” he said.

As the host of the meeting, Dr. Tan See Leng said, “Through the work group, we hope to create a cooperation framework to facilitate cross-border electricity trade projects and coordinate subsea power cable issues in ASEAN. Singapore is pleased to work closely with Laos and Cambodia with whom we have a shared vision on the ASEAN Power Grid. We also encourage more regional partners to join us in this endeavours.”

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The construction project broke ground on December 19, 2017, and was completed ahead of schedule on June 17, 2020, taking only 30 months for construction instead of the planned 44 months.

The China Bridge and Road Corporation (CRBC) executed the project with technical supervision provided by Guangzhou Wanan Technical Consulting. The overall cost of the project was $98.38 million.

The project has proven incredibly beneficial to national and family economies by providing seamless traveling options to people and various transportation methods.

The road is a crucial connection linking two potential economic corridors of the Greater Mekong Subregion.

The first one is the ASEAN Highway (AH1), which connects the border of Cambodia-Thailand (Poipet) on National Road 5 and National Road 1 to the Cambodia-Vietnam border at Bavet, with a link to National Road 11 at Neak Leung.

The second is the ASEAN Highway (AH11), which runs from the Cambodia-Laos border via National Road 7, connects to National Road 6 at the Prek Tamak Bridge, transverses Phnom Penh, and terminates at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on National Road 4.

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