China Eyes Tonle Sap Mining Opportunities and Cement Production in Kampot

• 14 October 2024
• Local News
• 396 Views

A delegation from Hubei Province, China, led by Mr Hu Jingli, Deputy Chairman of the Geographical Office, has expressed strong interest in studying natural mineral resources in Tonle Sap Lake, Siem Reap, while advancing plans to invest in a cement plant in Kampot.

This announcement followed a recent meeting with Siem Reap’s Deputy Governor, Mr Di Rado, where the delegation discussed enhancing Cambodia-China collaboration across multiple sectors.

The proposal reflects Hubei Province’s longstanding ties with Cambodia, although recent global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have posed operational difficulties. The meeting was held in Hubei province on 04 October 2024.

The Hubei delegation confirmed that it has already initiated a partnership with Kampot for constructing a cement manufacturing facility, while also indicating a keen interest in the natural mining potential around Tonle Sap Lake. The Chinese representatives highlighted the lake’s promising mineral resources, which they believe could play a significant role in regional economic development.

Alongside the mining initiatives, the Chinese officials expressed a broader ambition to explore Siem Reap’s investment landscape, particularly in the tourism and agriculture sectors, areas aligned with the province’s strengths.

The delegation’s interests extended to tourism professional training, as Siem Reap hosts 20 vocational schools offering 30 specialised skills, including those related to the tourism industry.

They also expressed intent to collaborate on agricultural studies, aiming to explore soil quality and identify suitable crop types for cultivation within the province. The discussions emphasised a comprehensive approach to economic collaboration, tapping into the potential of multiple sectors for mutual benefit.

• Energy and Environment
• Cooperation and networking