The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) has given the green light to a British proposal for the creation of a ‘Green Special Economic Zone’ (SEZ) in Cambodia. This approval was granted during a meeting on Monday between Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the CDC, and a UK delegation led by Dominic Williams, the British Ambassador to Cambodia.
The discussions between Chanthol and Williams covered a broad range of strategies aimed at bolstering Cambodia’s economic resilience. Key points included enhancing the country’s infrastructure, establishing the Green SEZ, and implementing various development programs to strengthen Cambodia-UK bilateral ties.
The British Ambassador outlined the UK’s commitment to supporting diverse development initiatives in Cambodia, particularly those focused on education for young women, economic growth, healthcare, and citizen safety and security.
The establishment of the Green SEZ, as proposed by Ambassador Williams, is envisioned to support environmental conservation efforts while fostering sustainable development beneficial to both nations. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Chanthol expressed Cambodia’s openness to this collaborative venture, recognizing its potential to significantly uplift the nation’s economy in an eco-friendly manner.
Chanthol also highlighted the Royal Government of Cambodia’s focus on key infrastructure projects, including the expansion of major national roads to enhance connectivity with neighboring countries. Among these projects are the upgrades to National Road 5, the construction of the Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway, and the development of the Funan Techo project, poised to be a landmark waterway initiative.
In addition, Chanthol shared insights into the CDC’s ongoing efforts to attract global investors, underscoring recent outreach activities in Europe. He further revealed plans to extend these efforts to other countries, including the UK, to showcase Cambodia as a prime destination for investment in priority sectors, backed by attractive incentives.
This collaborative endeavor between Cambodia and the UK marks a significant step towards integrating environmental sustainability into economic development strategies, setting a precedent for future green initiatives in the region.
Source: Khmer Times
