Siem Reap-Oddar Meanchey Chamber of Commerce president Huy Pheav said China’s consulate-general in Siem Reap province has pledged to cooperate with the Chamber to improve economic growth in the region, according to the Siem Reap provincial department of information.

The pledge came after Pheav led a delegation from the Chamber of Commerce to meet with consulate-general Lui Zhi Jie in Siem Reap on March 23.

Pheav said the core industries of Siem Reap are tourism and agriculture, both sectors with large potential. The province produces many tonnes of cassava and cashews, and the Chinese side had asked about the investment opportunities associated with these crops.

“As for tourism, we asked the Chinese side to encourage Chinese tourists to visit Siem Reap and establish more tourism centres. They supported our suggestions, and will foster further cooperation with us,” he added.

Siem Reap provincial governor Tea Seiha has also urged the private sector to consider investment opportunities in the labour sector, such as the establishment of factories, according to the provincial department of information.