Cambodia has set an ambitious goal of attracting one million tourists from China’s Henan province by 2025 while working to deepen investment ties, according to a statement from the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) on Monday.
Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the CDC, led a high-level delegation to Henan to promote economic and tourism cooperation. During the visit, Chanthol urged Chinese authorities to increase flight connections for Cambodia’s national airline, highlighting that improved air connectivity would strengthen both people-to-people (P2P) and business-to-business (B2B) exchanges. He stressed that expanding flight routes would support key sectors such as aviation, tourism, and infrastructure.
The delegation, joined by Soeung Rathchavy, Cambodia’s Ambassador to China, held talks with Henan Airport Investment Group and visited the Air Cambodia office in Zhengzhou. The discussions focused on understanding the operational models of these enterprises and exploring further investment opportunities in Cambodia. The Cambodian team presented the country’s favorable investment environment, government incentives for the private sector, and the growing potential of Cambodia’s tourism industry.
Yi Riwu, Director General of Henan Airport Investment Company, welcomed the Cambodian delegation and provided insights into the company’s operations and recent progress. He explained how the company’s activities align with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Air Silk Road Initiative. Yi also revealed that Henan Airport Investment Company had recently partnered with Air Cambodia through a joint venture, reflecting strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Chanthol expressed gratitude for the warm reception and acknowledged the steady growth of Henan Airport Investment Company and its joint ventures, including Air Cambodia. He commended their contributions to strengthening the Cambodia-China relationship and underscored the importance of expanding flight routes to facilitate greater connectivity.
“We aim to attract one million tourists from Henan province by 2025,” Chanthol said. “Expanding flight routes will enhance business and cultural exchanges, driving mutual economic benefits.”
Chanthol also invited the leadership of Henan Airport Investment Company to visit Cambodia to explore new investment opportunities. He encouraged them to consider sectors where the company’s expertise could have a significant impact.
Henan Airport Investment Company, a state-owned enterprise, specializes in urban development, investment, technology, and operations. The company’s growing interest in Cambodia signals potential for deeper economic cooperation in the future.
Later in the day, Chanthol led an investment promotion mission in Zhengzhou, Henan province. The delegation included officials from the CDC, the Cambodian Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board, and the Cambodia Oknha Association.
Zhou Fuqiang, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Standing Committee of the Zhengzhou Municipal People’s Congress, welcomed the Cambodian team and outlined Henan’s economic strengths. He highlighted the success of the Zhengzhou Agricultural Development Group’s agro-industrial park, situated in the Zhengzhou International Airport Special Economic Zone. Zhou expressed optimism that the group could conduct feasibility studies and pursue investment opportunities in Cambodia.
In response, Chanthol reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to providing a stable and attractive environment for foreign investors. He emphasized Cambodia’s political stability, macroeconomic strength, young workforce, and government-backed support for the private sector. He also highlighted Cambodia’s strategic location as a future regional logistics hub and ongoing infrastructure development to improve connectivity.
“Our investment policies are designed to create a business-friendly environment,” Chanthol said. “Cambodia is positioned as a gateway to Southeast Asia, and we welcome Chinese investment to help unlock the country’s full economic potential.”
