Cambodian scholar hails Cambodia-China ties, cooperation

Cambodia-China relations have achieved significant progress since the two countries forged a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in 2010, said a prominent Cambodian scholar.

Chheang Vannarith, chairman of the Cambodian Institute for Strategic Studies, made the remarks in an article published in the Khmer Times newspaper on Thursday.

He said Cambodia-China relationship "is dynamically evolving and mutually adjusted, based on trust and consultation."

Strategic convergence, common economic and security interests, and historical and cultural affinity are the main driving forces for the development of the bilateral ties, he added.

According to Vannarith, the attendance of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen at the upcoming Belt and Road Forum for international cooperation in May in Beijing will highlight this year's bilateral ties.

In the article, Vannarith noted that Cambodia is diversifying its economic structure by moving towards a skill-driven industrialization and knowledge-based economy.

He called for enhanced cooperation between Cambodia and China in areas of technological innovations, vocational training and skills development.

While noting that Cambodia hopes to strengthen its transport infrastructure and connectivity, the scholar pointed out that the Sihanoukville special economic zone is one of the key ongoing projects under the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative.

Vannarith also said that with increased cultural and people-to-people exchanges, Cambodia expects that by 2020 the number of Chinese tourist arrivals will hit 2 million. Endit