China, Cambodia hold cultural and economic exchange in Phnom Penh

China and Cambodia held a cultural and economic exchange event in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Sept. 7. 

A China-Cambodia cultural and economic exchange event is held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Sept. 7, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

The event was jointly organized by three subsidiaries of China International Communications Group (CICG) — the Center for Asia-Pacific, the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, and Foreign Languages Press — as well as ASEAN Top News.

Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks at a cultural and economic exchange event in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Sept. 7, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

Du Zhanyuan, president of CICG, said that CICG will further cooperate with Cambodia in areas such as translation and publishing, think tank dialogues, media cooperation, and cultural exchange, thus contributing to the building of China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. 

Kha Leng, secretary of state of the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, speaks at a cultural and economic exchange event in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Sept. 7, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

Kha Leng, secretary of state of the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, said that the country boasts geographical advantages and economic growth potential, and provides numerous preferential policies and support to investors. She said she hopes that China and Cambodia can further align their development strategies, strengthen cooperation in the economy and trade, and advance the bilateral relationship to a new level.

Neth Pheaktra, minister of information of Cambodia, speaks via video link to a cultural and economic exchange event on Sept. 7, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

Neth Pheaktra, minister of information of Cambodia, delivered a speech via video link. He said that China and Cambodia are witnessing a strong momentum of cooperation and development in areas such as culture and trade. The Belt and Road Initiative is an important factor in promoting Cambodia's infrastructure and economic growth, he said, adding that he hopes both sides can achieve more results in economic and cultural exchanges, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, culture, media, and tourism.

Experts and scholars engage in a roundtable discussion at a cultural and economic exchange event on Sept. 7, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

During a roundtable at the event, experts and scholars from Cambodian media, think tanks, business associations, enterprises, and cultural and tourism organizations engaged in discussions. They said they are ready to participate in and promote China-Cambodia cultural exchange and cooperation, contributing to fostering mutual understanding and deepening exchange and mutual learning between the people of the two countries.

Over 150 guests from Chinese and Cambodian governments, media organizations, research institutions, business associations, investment firms, and other entities attended the event.