Cambodia and China have reaffirmed their commitment to restoring Chinese visitor arrivals to pre-pandemic levels while bolstering bilateral cooperation in tourism development. Both nations have emphasized the importance of increasing direct flights and enhancing tourism infrastructure to facilitate these goals.
Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC), met with Wang Wenbin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Cambodia, to discuss the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between the two countries. They expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral ties and pledged to implement key initiatives and agreements made by their leaders.
Advancing Key Projects
According to a press release from the MFAIC, Sokhonn and Ambassador Wang discussed advancing critical projects, including:
- The Fish and Rice Corridor
- The Industrial Development Corridor
- The Modern Agricultural Development Project
- The Mixed Energy Project
They also reaffirmed their dedication to building a high-quality Cambodia-China Community with a shared future, positioning it as a global model for collaboration in the new era.
Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025
Both leaders expressed enthusiasm for designating 2025 as the Cambodia-China Tourism Year to boost tourism exchanges. They emphasized the importance of increasing direct flights and improving tourism infrastructure to restore pre-pandemic levels of Chinese visitor arrivals.
Minister of Tourism Huot Hak echoed this sentiment, affirming Cambodia’s commitment to showcasing its tourism potential, particularly to Chinese visitors. Speaking at the Cambodia-China Sister Cities Conference in Siem Reap, Hak noted that Cambodia aims to attract 7 million international tourists by 2025, including over 2 million Chinese visitors.
Showcasing Cambodia’s Rich Heritage
Minister Hak highlighted Cambodia’s unique cultural and natural attractions, including:
- Angkor Wat: A UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of Cambodia’s rich history.
- Stunning coastlines: Located in Kampot, Kep, Sihanoukville, and Koh Kong.
- Northern provinces: Featuring breathtaking waterfalls and scenic landscapes.
These diverse offerings promise visitors an enchanting experience that blends culture, history, and natural beauty.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The meeting also included discussions about preparations for an upcoming official visit to China by Hun Sen, President of the Senate and the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). This visit is expected to further strengthen Cambodia-China relations and advance shared goals.
As Cambodia and China work together to revive tourism, the partnership signifies a broader commitment to economic recovery and cultural exchange, ensuring a brighter future for both nations.
Source: Khmer Times
