(Prey Veng): Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen has called on Prey Veng provincial authorities to intensify efforts in attracting investment to the Meun Chey area, particularly in the industrial sector with a strong focus on agro-processing. The initiative aims to strengthen Cambodia’s domestic production capabilities and expand its export potential to international markets.
The remarks were made on Wednesday, July 2, during Samdech Techo’s working visit to the Meun Chey International Border Checkpoint, where he met with local officials and inspected infrastructure along the Cambodia–Viet Nam border.
“Looking ahead, the province should focus on attracting investment to this area [Meun Chey], which has the potential to become an industrial zone due to its logistical advantages and proximity to processing areas,” Hun Sen stated. “Investors from Viet Nam could be encouraged to set up processing factories in Cambodia, utilizing Cambodia’s raw materials. This presents an opportunity to expand trade, by linking production to exports or domestic supply.”
Samdech Techo underlined that the opening of international border checkpoints should not be seen solely as a gateway for the movement of people, but also as a strategic tool to promote economic activities such as trade and investment.
With the Meun Chey area offering favourable connectivity and geographic advantages, Hun Sen stressed that it could become a hub for agro-industrial development. By processing Cambodian agricultural products within the country, value addition can be achieved locally before reaching markets in Viet Nam and beyond.
Trade between Cambodia and Viet Nam has seen consistent growth in recent years, with Cambodian exports to Viet Nam marking a notable increase. Samdech Techo expressed confidence that deeper economic collaboration—especially in border regions—will contribute to mutual growth and regional stability.
In his closing remarks, Hun Sen encouraged officials at the border to maintain strong cooperation with their Vietnamese counterparts. Quoting a well-known Khmer proverb, he said, “A good neighbour is like gold; a bad neighbour is like a landmine,” emphasizing the importance of harmonious bilateral relations in fostering peace and prosperity along the border.
The visit highlights the Royal Government’s commitment to turning border provinces into economic gateways through infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and regional cooperation.
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