Preah Sihanouk Province and Wuxi City Enhance Friendship, Cooperation, and Tourism Exchange

Preah Sihanouk Province, located in southwestern Cambodia, is set to further strengthen its friendship, cooperation, and tourism exchange with Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, China. This follows a visit by a delegation led by Zhou Wendong, Deputy Mayor of Wuxi City, who met with Mang Sineth, Governor of Preah Sihanouk Province. During the meeting, Governor Mang Sineth briefed the delegation on Preah Sihanouk Province's geographical potential. The province comprises six districts and 29 communes/sangkats, with an estimated economic growth of approximately 5% in 2025. Its 32 islands, 175-kilometer coastline, and abundant natural resources serve as crucial foundations for economic, commercial, industrial, and tourism development. Preah Sihanouk Province is known as the "Shining Star of the South" and plays a pivotal role as the core of the four coastal provinces, which include Koh Kong, Kampot, and Kep Provinces, all members of the "World's Most Beautiful Bays Club" since 2011. Transportation infrastructure is also well-developed, featuring three international ports: Keo Phos Port, Stung Hav Port, and Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. Additionally, water, air, and land routes are readily available. The Sihanoukville Autonomous Port is undergoing expansion, expected to be completed by 2030, with a depth of 17.5 meters, allowing 160,000-ton vessels to dock. Coupled with the planned Funan Techo Canal, this will enhance cargo transportation efficiency via the Mekong River. Governor Mang Sineth noted that the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port is already connected to Wuxi City, and direct flights operate between Sihanoukville and Wuxi. Land transportation includes National Roads No. 3 and 4, expressways, and railways. The Cambodian government is promoting Preah Sihanouk Province as a multi-purpose Special Economic Zone, divided into three zones: 1. Transportation and Industrial Zone, 2. Commercial and Trade Integration City, and 3. Island and Coastal Natural Tourism Zone. Furthermore, special investment incentives introduced in 2024 include administrative facilitation for business licenses and tax exemptions for 3 to 5 years, including corporate income tax, creating a favorable investment climate. Deputy Mayor Zhou Wendong expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and highlighted the continuous official visits and deepening cooperation between the two regions over the past two years. He pointed out that the development of expressways has boosted commercial, industrial, and tourism exchanges to Sihanoukville. He added that Wuxi City and Preah Sihanouk Province, as sister cities, will continue their cooperation in healthcare, education, culture, and investment, aiming to further expand trade and people-to-people exchanges. Governor Mang Sineth responded by emphasizing the close ties between Preah Sihanouk Province and Wuxi City, particularly the enduring friendship between the two governments, passed down from His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk through Prime Minister Hun Sen to the current Prime Minister Hun Manet. He reiterated Cambodia's adherence to the "One China" policy. This commitment will support the evolution of the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone from 2.0 to 3.0 in the future, fostering increased tourism exchange and joint development between the two regions. Source: AKP Khmer