In a recent development, Cambodia has extended an invitation to India to contemplate the establishment of a specialized technology SEZ within its borders.
During a significant encounter, Sun Chanthol, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and First-Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), engaged in discussions with Devyani Uttam Khobragde, the Indian Ambassador to Cambodia. Khobragde, who was at the helm of a visiting delegation, was encouraged to evaluate the prospects of initiating a technology-centric SEZ in the nation.
The dialogue between Chanthol and Khobragde revisited the longstanding cooperative ties and friendly relations shared by the two countries since the 1950s. This historical camaraderie has been instrumental in motivating the Indian government to persist in its support for Cambodia’s infrastructure enhancement and the introduction of direct air connectivity between India and the Kingdom.
A CDC press statement revealed that the meeting also broached the subject of instituting a Cambodia-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This move aims to fortify the diplomatic and commercial bonds between the two nations.
Reflecting on the successful collaborations between Cambodia and various countries, which have led to the creation of new SEZs like the Cambodia-Japan Special Economic Zone and the Cambodia-UK Green SEZ, the discussions sought to persuade the Ambassador to assess the viability of a Cambodia-India SEZ with a strong focus on technological advancement.
Seizing the moment, the Deputy Prime Minister sought the Ambassador’s support in facilitating a visit by Cambodian officials to India. The purpose of this visit would be to engage with Indian investors and present them with potential investment opportunities within the Kingdom.
Additionally, Chanthol highlighted the ‘Comprehensive Intermodal Transport and Logistics System Master Plan 2023-2033’ (CITSL), officially unveiled on February 20. This strategic blueprint outlines potential investment projects for Indian business leaders to consider.
At the fourth CITSL meeting, Pen Bonea, the Minister of Public Works and Transport, emphasized the official endorsement of the CITLS master plan by the government on August 2 of the previous year. This ambitious plan encompasses 174 projects, spanning both infrastructural and logistical domains, with an estimated investment requirement of around $36.6 billion over the coming decade. The CITSL master plan integrates seven comprehensive master plans, covering the enhancement of railways, waterways, ports, logistics, road, and air transport sectors.
