A fraction of the vast unexplored opportunities of Siem Reap has been so far been tapped, apart from its cultural destination status. That the province is an economic asset to Cambodia, hitherto untold, has now been for the first time compiled in ‘Guide to Doing Business and Investing in Siem Reap’. It was officially released on Monday. The guide highlights the province’s potential to international investors.
Presiding over the function Sok Siphana, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions and Chairman of the Trade Policy Advisory Board, described Siem Reap as the key economic province in Cambodia.
He said that in addition to its hundreds of ancient temples, Siem Reap boasts other untapped potentials including agriculture, agro-industry, and air transport, which deserve greater attention and development.
Sok Thol, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap, representatives from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, the People’s Republic of China and Japan among others were present on the occasion.
During the event, Siphana emphasized Siem Reap’s vital role in tourism in driving economic growth.
Talking about the comprehensive guide, Siphana said, “Siem Reap has many other potential sectors, all included in the Business and Investment Guidebook, published in both Khmer and English language.”
He said that Siem Reap has Tonle Sap Lake, which has the potential to serve as a crucial agricultural transport route, connecting surrounding provinces to the Bassac River and the Funan Techo Canal.
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is an essential export hub, particularly for electronic products, he said, adding that he hoped the guidebook would showcase Siem Reap’s potential to the global community.
Sok Thol, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap, said that under the leadership of Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia has transformed Siem Reap into one of the country’s most powerful provinces that contributes to the national economic growth and acquired the named ‘the Rising Star of the North’.
“The Guide to Doing Business and Investing in Siem Reap is a valuable asset for the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) and Siem Reap province, helping to showcase the province’s potential to the world,” Thol said.
“This book will help international investors recognize our strong investment opportunities and attract tourists back to Siem Reap.”
Thol said that Siem Reap has been redesigned to appeal to national and international visitors through a project to improve 38 roads in the city, enhancing its beauty.
Additionally, improvements to the Siem Reap River and the creation of green public spaces have made the area more appealing to tourists.
In the near future Siem Reap will achieve another significant milestone with the construction of a third expressway, which will connect Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, and Bangkok in Thailand. This new expressway will provide great opportunities for Siem Reap and its residents, further promoting economic growth, Thol said.
It should be noted that the government has launched similar guidebooks in the provincial capitals including Sihanoukville, Svay Rieng, Kampot, Kampong Speu, Kandal and Kampong Chhnang provinces.
(Source: khmertimeskh)