Chinese delegation explores agri-investment opportunities in K Thom

Chinese delegation explores agri-investment opportunities in K Thom

Vissoth says the partnership will serve as a strong foundation for expanding cooperation and generating tangible outcomes in economic and social development.

A delegation from Yangzhou city Friday explored investment opportunities in agriculture and agro-industries in Kampong Thom province, aiming to strengthen sub-national cooperation in trade and socio-economic development.

Chen Yang, Chairman of the Yangzhou Municipal Committee of the Political Consultative Conference of China, led the delegation to meet Vongsey Vissoth, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers (OCM), in Phnom Penh.

The meeting was attended by Wang Wenbin, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia.

According to an OCM announcement, discussions focused on strengthening sub-national cooperation following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Yangzhou and the Kampong Thom Provincial Administration.

Addressing the meeting, Vissoth congratulated both sides on the agreement, describing it as an important step in strengthening Cambodia-China cooperation at the sub-national level and creating practical benefits for people in Kampong Thom province and Yangzhou city of Jiangsu province.

He said that the partnership would serve as a strong foundation for expanding cooperation and generating tangible outcomes in economic and social development, while also promoting closer people-to-people exchanges between the two local administrations in the coming years.

Recalling the long-standing Cambodia-China friendly relations, the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister noted that ties have grown stronger into an ironclad friendship and further elevated into a comprehensive diamond cooperation framework.

Vissoth, also the Chairman of the Royal Government Working Group in Kampong Thom, emphasised that both countries share the goal of ensuring development benefits reach citizens, particularly rural communities, adding that the Yangzhou delegation’s visit aligns with the development priorities of both governments.

According to Vissoth, enhanced cooperation would contribute to Kampong Thom’s economic growth, improve livelihoods and support poverty reduction efforts. He added that stronger engagement between local administrations can help translate national cooperation frameworks into concrete local outcomes.

He highlighted that cooperation supports Prime Minister Hun Manet’s vision of transforming Kampong Thom into an agro-industrial and logistics hub, contributing more strongly to Cambodia’s national economic growth.

To further advance cooperation, Vissoth proposed several priority areas, including technology transfer and capacity building, particularly in agricultural research, crop development, animal feed production and agricultural product processing to improve productivity and competitiveness.

He also encouraged market exploration and supply chain development, noting China remains a major destination for Cambodian products, while Cambodia could become a key link in regional and global supply chains.

In addition, he called for stronger investment and tourism cooperation, encouraging Chinese businesses to explore Kampong Thom opportunities and promoting exchanges in culture, trade, tourism, and food to strengthen mutual understanding.

Chen responded by briefing on Yangzhou’s development and outlining cooperation potential with Kampong Thom, particularly in agriculture and agro-industry as key drivers of local economic growth in the coming period between the two regions.

He expressed commitment to promoting closer cooperation and advancing discussions, including more frequent exchanges across sectors and encouraging investors and tourists from Yangzhou to explore the Kingdom.

khmertimeskh