Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), led a delegation of 17 companies to China to explore investment opportunities as well as participate in the 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, Fujian province, from September 7-12.
The delegation was received by Zhao Long, Governor of Fujian province, according to Chanthol, who posted on his social media on yesterday.
During the meeting, Zhao expressed his appreciation for Cambodia’s participation in CIFIT and highlighted Chinese President Xi Jinping’s efforts to promote the fair as a platform for global investment cooperation.
He recalled the meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Hun Manet in April, noting that relations between Cambodia and China, particularly Fujian province, are expected to further strengthen, especially in trade and investment.
On his part, Deputy Prime Minister Chanthol underscored the importance of the Cambodian delegation’s participation, especially the presence of 17 Cambodian companies, to enhance opportunities for partnership and collaboration with Chinese investors.
Chanthol also expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for its continued support of Cambodia.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for maintaining the strong friendship between Cambodia and China through the efforts of the leaders of both countries, especially the recent visit of President Xi Jinping to Cambodia in April 2025,” Chanthol said.
He noted that China remains Cambodia’s largest partner in investment and trade. “I deeply appreciate the Chinese government’s encouragement of investors to expand their presence in Cambodia. I request that this support continue, particularly through the platforms such as CIFIT, to attract even more Chinese investors to Cambodia.”
Chanthol also recalled that late last month and earlier this month, Prime Minister Hun Manet met with President Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin from August 30 to September 1, while on September 3, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni attended the 80th anniversary of its victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World War against fascism.
On infrastructure cooperation, Chanthol thanked China for its assistance in building roads and bridges in Cambodia. He also highlighted the Funan Techo Canal project, which received strong support from President Xi Jinping during his visit to Cambodia last April.
It may be recalled that during the meeting between Mr Hun Manet, President Xi emphasised that China supports Cambodia in maintaining stability, upholding independence, and achieving development and revitalisation.
Xi added that China is willing to work with Cambodia to expand trade exchanges and jointly combat cross-border crimes, including online gambling and telecom fraud.
According to the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), Chinese investors contributed around $3.6 billion to Cambodia in the first seven months of 2025, accounting for over half of the Kingdom’s total approved investment.
Bilateral trade between Cambodia and China surged to $11 billion in the first seven months of 2025, marking a robust 26 percent increase compared with the same period last year, according to the latest figures from the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).
