Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate and the Cambodian People’s Party, held a meeting with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, on Wednesday, December 4, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China.
Cambodia welcomed 5.37 million international tourists during the first ten months of 2024, marking a 22 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year, according to a report from the Ministry of Tourism.
Thailand led as the top source market, contributing 1.72 million visitors despite a year-on-year decline of 14.9 percent. Vietnam followed with 1.08 million tourists, an impressive growth of 31.6 percent, while Chinese visitors surged by 52.5 percent, totaling 691,736 during the period.
Air travel accounted for 1.9 million arrivals, representing approximately 35.5 percent of the total international visitors and a year-on-year increase of 27 percent. The remaining tourists arrived through land border gates and waterways, reflecting a diverse influx of travelers.
The Ministry of Tourism attributed the growth to collaborative efforts in promoting Cambodia’s tourism and the expansion of connected flight routes, which have made travel to the Kingdom more accessible.
“This growth of foreign tourist arrivals reflected that the tourism sector in Cambodia is recovering upward,” said Top Sopheak, Secretary of State and Spokesman of the Ministry of Tourism.
The ministry has set an ambitious target of attracting seven million international visitors by 2025, surpassing the 6.6 million recorded in 2019 before the pandemic.
Cambodia’s appeal lies in its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. The country is home to iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, the Preah Vihear Temple, and the Koh Ker Temple in Preah Vihear Province, as well as the Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological Site in Kampong Thom. Cambodia’s 450-kilometer-long pristine coastline, spanning the provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kep, and Koh Kong, adds to its allure as a tourist destination.
Outbound tourism from Cambodia also saw a modest rise, with 1.57 million Cambodians traveling abroad during the period, a year-on-year increase of 2.6 percent.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Cambodia’s economy, contributing about 13 percent to its GDP. The record high of 6.61 million international tourists in 2019 serves as a benchmark for the Kingdom’s post-pandemic recovery and growth.
Source: Khmer Times
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) welcomed an impressive 1.3 million passengers in the first eleven months of 2024. Passenger numbers are projected to reach 1.4 million by year-end and 2 million in 2025, according to a report presented by Lu Wei, Chairman of the airport, during a meeting with Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, on Sunday.
Chairman Lu highlighted the airport’s efforts to boost tourism, particularly from China, by promoting and organizing events. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its support in developing the airport, especially in establishing a reliable water supply network. Lu also emphasized the importance of developing the surrounding area to attract high-value-added industries, noting that Yunnan Investment Group has plans for further investments in both the airport and its vicinity.
Minister Vanndy praised the airport’s achievements and reiterated the Royal Government’s commitment to supporting investment initiatives. He emphasized that a thriving domestic industry would naturally lead to increased air transport, further driving the airport’s growth and enhancing regional development.
“The government wants both small and large-scale investment projects to succeed,” Vanndy said. “As domestic industries grow, so will air transport, boosting the airport and the surrounding area’s development.”
Officially opened in October 2023 and located approximately 50 kilometers from Siem Reap city, the SAI boasts a capacity of 7 million passengers annually. It serves as a modern gateway to Cambodia’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat, and other ancient temples.
Thim Sereyvuth, Director of the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Tourism, reported that 70% of tourists visiting Siem Reap arrive by air, while 30% travel by land. He noted that daily international arrivals currently result in about 4,000 tourists purchasing Angkor entrance tickets.
“With the high season approaching, including New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, we anticipate an increase in tourist numbers during December, January, and February. We aim to enhance service quality to encourage longer stays in Siem Reap,” Sereyvuth shared.
The Ministry of Tourism, along with the Siem Reap Provincial Tourism Development Commission, has introduced policies and a comprehensive development plan to ensure steady growth in the province’s tourism sector. Senior Minister Thong Khon, Chairman of the Siem Reap-Angkor Tourism Management and Development Committee, emphasized the need to balance cultural and ecotourism development while maintaining the region’s primary attraction—its iconic temples.
Siem Reap’s strategic vision and infrastructure investments, supported by collaborative efforts across public and private sectors, position it as a thriving destination for tourism and economic growth. The SAI continues to play a central role in this journey, welcoming travelers to one of the world’s most extraordinary cultural heritage sites.
Source: Khmer Times
Leader Energy has embarked on a groundbreaking journey in Cambodia’s renewable energy sector by signing an Implementation Agreement (IA) with the Ministry of Mines and Energy to establish a 150 MW wind farm in Mondulkiri province. This marks the company’s debut in wind power, underscoring its strategic commitment to diversifying Southeast Asia’s clean energy landscape.
As a key player in the region’s energy transition, Leader Energy brings extensive expertise in solar, hydro, transmission lines, battery storage, and green mobility. The addition of wind energy to its portfolio signals a forward-thinking approach to addressing the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions while driving the region toward a greener future.
The Mondulkiri wind farm, set for completion in 2027, aims to harness Cambodia’s untapped wind potential. By integrating wind energy into the national grid, the project will diversify the country’s energy mix, meet its rising electricity needs, and support its clean energy transition. It stands as a beacon of innovation, highlighting the feasibility of large-scale wind projects in a region traditionally reliant on hydropower and fossil fuels.
Dato’ Sean H’ng Chun Hsiang, Executive Deputy Chairman and Co-Group CEO of Leader Energy, shared:
“We deeply appreciate the unwavering support of our partners, stakeholders, and Cambodia’s Ministries, including the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Cambodia’s national utility company, Électricité du Cambodge (EDC). Their collaboration and visionary leadership have been instrumental in bringing this project to life. Together, we are not merely constructing infrastructure but shaping a cleaner, greener future for Cambodia.”
This initiative represents a transformative milestone, reaffirming Leader Energy’s role in driving sustainable development in Cambodia and beyond.
Source: windinsider.com
Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, accompanied by a high-level delegation, departed Phnom Penh on Monday for an official goodwill visit to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from December 2–4, 2024. The visit is made at the invitation of the Communist Party of China and aims to reinforce the longstanding Cambodia-China partnership and usher in a new chapter of bilateral cooperation.
During his visit, Samdech Techo Hun Sen will hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China. He will also conduct separate working discussions with Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. These engagements aim to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Cambodia and China under the Diamond Cooperation Framework and advance the shared vision of a high-quality Cambodia-China community in the new era.
This marks Mr. Hun Sen’s inaugural visit to China in his capacity as Senate President and a prominent leader of the Cambodian People’s Party. The Cambodian Senate underscored the visit’s significance in injecting new momentum into the “ironclad friendship” between the two nations, highlighting Cambodia’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and elevated standards in its relationship with China.
The visit coincides with the conclusion of the Cambodia-China Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchange, an initiative that fostered stronger ties across cultural and societal dimensions. It follows closely on the heels of Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn’s recent trip to China, which focused on bolstering the nations’ robust and historic ties.
Accompanying Mr. Hun Sen are key Cambodian figures, including Tea Banh, a member of the Supreme Privy Council of the King; Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Thun Vathana, Second Vice-President of the Senate; and other senior officials from Cambodia’s legislative and executive institutions.
Both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to mutual growth and regional stability. Wang Wenbin, China’s ambassador to Cambodia, recently emphasized China’s unwavering support for Cambodia’s development, citing projects like the Funan Techo Canal as examples of fruitful collaboration. He also welcomed the upcoming designation of 2025 as the Cambodia-China Year of Tourism, reflecting the nations’ shared focus on revitalizing tourism and trade.
Efforts to restore Chinese tourist inflow to pre-pandemic levels were also discussed, including increasing direct flights and improving tourism infrastructure. Bilateral agreements on enhancing trade and investment cooperation further underscore the importance of their strategic partnership.
Seun Sam, a political analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, highlighted the historical foundations of the Cambodia-China relationship, established by King Father Norodom Sihanouk and further strengthened by Mr. Hun Sen during his tenure as Prime Minister. While he noted the mutual benefits of the relationship, he also emphasized the importance of diversifying Cambodia’s foreign relations. He urged Cambodia to expand its ties with other key partners, such as the United States, Europe, and ASEAN neighbors, including Thailand and Vietnam, which are critical markets for Cambodian exports.
By maintaining a balanced approach to foreign relations, Cambodia can continue to position itself as a valuable regional and global partner, leveraging its geographical advantages, ASEAN membership, and active role in international organizations.
The visit reaffirms both nations’ shared commitment to regional and global peace and stability. Cambodia and China emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing global challenges and pledged continued support for each other in international forums.
As Cambodia looks toward 2025 and beyond, this visit by Samdech Techo Hun Sen serves as a pivotal moment in advancing the nations’ comprehensive strategic partnership, building a high-quality community with a shared future, and fostering sustainable development for the region.
Source: Khmer Times, Fresh News
Phnom Penh, Dec. 1 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet presided over and participated in the 29th Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, held on December 1, 2024. The event welcomed nearly 14,000 runners from 87 countries, marking the highest participation since its inception in 1996.
In his commencement speech, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his joy at joining this remarkable event, which supports charitable causes benefiting Cambodian children, vulnerable individuals, and people with disabilities, particularly victims of landmines.
The Prime Minister also conveyed his appreciation to the organizers, sponsors, security personnel, and participants, stating:
“It is with great pleasure that I join the 29th Angkor Wat International Half Marathon 2024 alongside a record-breaking number of runners. My heartfelt thanks go to all involved in making this event a resounding success.”
The marathon continues to stand as a beacon of hope and solidarity, uniting people from around the globe in support of meaningful causes while highlighting Cambodia’s enduring spirit and hospitality.
All Images: AKP/Fresh News
Source: Khmer Times, Fresh News
Cambodia witnessed a remarkable surge in air connectivity with China, recording 733,729 air passengers between the two nations in the first 10 months of 2024, an impressive 83 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Sinn Chanserey Vutha, Undersecretary of State and spokesperson for Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, highlighted the significant growth during an interview with Xinhua on Thursday. He reported 5,486 flights between Cambodia and China during the January-October period of 2024, marking a year-on-year rise of 60 percent.
In addition to passenger traffic, air cargo volume also saw notable growth, reaching 6,341 tons during the same period, a 38 percent increase from 2023.
The spokesperson expressed optimism about the role of the Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in driving further growth. Officially inaugurated in November 2023, the airport boasts a 3,600-meter-long runway and serves as the primary gateway to the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Siem Reap province. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure is expected to attract more international airlines, particularly from China, further strengthening Cambodia’s position as a premier tourist and trade hub.
Source: Khmer Times
A senior delegation from the Karnataka State Government, India, recently visited Cambodia to explore collaborative opportunities in governance, technology, and innovation. Facilitated by Karthik Tallam, Honorary Consul of Cambodia in India, and The Better Cambodia, this engagement highlighted the potential for meaningful partnerships that could bring benefits to both regions.
A key part of the visit was a meeting with H.E. Samheng Boros, Minister attached to the Prime Minister of Cambodia. The discussions focused on the social welfare systems of Cambodia and Karnataka, aiming to identify shared challenges and strategies for addressing them effectively.
Cambodia has made notable progress in enhancing its social safety nets and fostering inclusivity. Meanwhile, Karnataka is recognized for its advanced welfare initiatives, which have improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities. The exchange of ideas underscored the importance of innovative and adaptive approaches to social development, with both sides expressing interest in future collaborations to further their respective goals.
Another significant engagement during the visit was a discussion with H.E. Kim Khorn Long, Personal Advisor Ranking Minister to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State of the Ministry of Justice. This meeting explored opportunities in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and start-up ecosystems.
Karnataka, known for its status as India’s leading technology hub, has built a thriving start-up ecosystem that has spurred economic growth and innovation. Cambodia, in contrast, is an emerging player in Southeast Asia’s technology space, with increasing investment in digital transformation and entrepreneurial support.
The discussions highlighted the potential for cooperation in areas such as digital public services, fostering innovation through start-ups, and skill development. Collaborative efforts in these areas could help Cambodia advance its digital economy while benefiting from Karnataka’s experience in building resilient and inclusive IT infrastructure.
The Karnataka delegation brought together senior officials with expertise spanning governance, social development, healthcare, agriculture, and urban planning. The delegation included:
The delegation’s wide-ranging expertise ensured that the discussions were well-rounded and addressed various developmental priorities, from governance and healthcare to urban management and technological innovation.
This visit reflects the growing collaboration between Cambodia and India. Initiatives like this one not only enhance bilateral ties but also create pathways for mutual learning and development.
The facilitation by The Better Cambodia and the Honorary Consul played a crucial role in enabling meaningful exchanges between the Karnataka delegation and their Cambodian counterparts. By focusing on shared values such as innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development, the visit exemplified the power of partnerships in addressing pressing global challenges.
The discussions during the visit identified several areas for potential collaboration, including joint research initiatives, knowledge-sharing programs, and partnerships in technology-driven governance.
Cambodia’s growing focus on economic transformation and digital innovation aligns well with Karnataka’s leadership in IT and start-up ecosystems. The two regions can benefit from joint efforts to create more inclusive and efficient systems for public service delivery, entrepreneurial growth, and economic development.
Furthermore, cultural exchange and tourism initiatives could play an important role in deepening people-to-people connections and fostering greater understanding between the two regions.
Cambodia and Karnataka share a vision for progress driven by innovation and collaboration. The visit demonstrated how cross-border engagement can lead to the exchange of ideas, solutions, and strategies that address common challenges and create new opportunities.
Both regions have unique strengths to bring to the partnership. Cambodia’s dynamic economic growth and commitment to sustainable development complement Karnataka’s expertise in technology, governance, and social welfare. Together, they can build a foundation for impactful projects that benefit their citizens and contribute to broader regional and global progress.
The Karnataka delegation’s visit to Cambodia represents a significant milestone in the relationship between the two regions. By engaging in meaningful discussions and exploring avenues for cooperation, the visit has set the stage for a partnership that holds immense potential for growth and development.
As Cambodia and Karnataka continue to explore opportunities for collaboration, their shared focus on innovation and inclusivity will drive transformative initiatives that benefit both regions. Such engagements highlight the value of partnerships in addressing global challenges, fostering development, and creating opportunities for mutual growth.
Through sustained dialogue and joint efforts, Cambodia and Karnataka can strengthen their ties and work together to build a future defined by progress, innovation, and shared success. The visit serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration in an interconnected world, demonstrating how partnerships can bring tangible benefits to communities and nations alike.
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.
According to a press release from the MFAIC, Sokhonn and Ambassador Wang discussed advancing critical projects, including:
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.
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.
Minister Hak highlighted Cambodia’s unique cultural and natural attractions, including:
These diverse offerings promise visitors an enchanting experience that blends culture, history, and natural beauty.
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
Spurning recent reports from international media regarding the funding status of the Funan Techo Canal (FTC) project, Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), reassured the public that the mega-project will be completed as planned—or even ahead of schedule.
Speaking at the launch of the CDC Investment Project Management (cdcIPM) platform, Chanthol, who also serves as Chairman of the Special Commission on the FTC construction project, highlighted Cambodia’s proven track record of timely project completion. He pointed out that the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway was inaugurated eight months ahead of schedule, emphasizing the government’s efficiency and commitment.
Chanthol expressed disappointment over what he called “completely wrong information” disseminated by certain international media outlets. “We have no idea where they got this information from,” he said, referring to claims that the FTC project had stalled due to insufficient financial support from public and private sector development partners.
Drawing attention to the role of responsible journalism, Chanthol said:
“The role of journalists is to inform, not inflame; to report, not distort. Media must not fabricate or create news. They should focus on reporting accurate data and sharing the actual situation.”
He noted that some TikTok videos falsely claimed the government was displacing residents without proper compensation. These videos, shared during the FTC groundbreaking ceremony on August 5, depicted villages in distress. However, Chanthol firmly denied these allegations, stating, “The government has not taken any land from the people.”
The Deputy Prime Minister provided updates on the project’s status, explaining that construction has not stalled. He attributed temporary delays to seasonal water levels, which must recede before positioning the poles for the canal’s roadmap. A site visit by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) is planned to assess progress.
To ensure fairness, the project team employed drones and satellite imagery to meticulously evaluate the impact on local residents and their properties. Initially, the analysis indicated that 1,585 houses would be affected. However, after adjusting the canal path, this number rose to 2,305, with only 400 houses requiring relocation.
Chanthol added that the evaluation extended beyond housing to include environmental considerations. “We counted everything, including 139,163 trees, to ensure fair compensation for all impacted citizens,” he explained. An additional company has been hired to conduct a more detailed assessment, reflecting the government’s commitment to precision and transparency.
Chanthol criticized the media for not verifying facts with the project team. “In this world, there are four types of people: those who talk, those who work, those who mock, and those who watch,” he said. “Unfortunately, the media seems to have relied on those who talk, mock, and watch, instead of engaging with those of us who are working on the project every day.”
The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the FTC project and its goals of improving water management, reducing flood risks, and enhancing agricultural productivity. He assured the public that the government remains focused on delivering tangible benefits to the people while ensuring transparency and fairness.
The FTC project, spanning 180 kilometers, is one of Cambodia’s largest infrastructure initiatives and symbolizes the country’s ambitions for sustainable development. By leveraging modern technology and meticulous planning, the Royal Government of Cambodia aims to enhance the nation’s water resource management while uplifting the livelihoods of its citizens.
As Cambodia continues its journey toward progress, Chanthol’s message serves as a reminder that transparency, dedication, and collaboration remain at the heart of the government’s development agenda.
Source: Khmer Times
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