A US congressional delegation has expressed interest in expanding bilateral trade and investing in Cambodia’s fuel and port sectors, which are experiencing strong growth, according to a public works ministry statement.

This came during a bilateral meeting between Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol and the delegation, led by Carol Miller, at the ministry on August 29, the statement noted. Miller is a member of the Republican Party and represents the US state of West Virginia’s 3rd district.

Chanthol briefed the delegates on infrastructure development in Cambodia and welcomed further involvement of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, which he said may help to improve relations and cooperation between the two countries.

The minister touched on government efforts to draw in more investors into the development of major transport infrastructure, such as the construction of three new international-standard airports. Chantol also requested US companies to invest in road infrastructure, an area he noted has historically been virtually devoid of investment from the world’s largest economy.

“Cambodia has been working to promote the widespread use of electric vehicles by installing charging stations in the capital and provinces to reduce pollution … and seeking cooperation with companies, especially US firms, to set up more charging points,” he said.

Miller voiced keen interest in the development of road and port infrastructure and similar achievements chalked up by Cambodia, which she admitted was different from her expectations prior to arrival, according to the statement.

She expressed intent to strengthen relations and cooperation between the two countries, and in particular, expand trade and investment in ports as well as gas and energy, especially low-pressure natural gas (LPNG).

The minister welcomed US businesses wishing to invest in Cambodia, especially in the port, LPNG, gas and energy sectors, stressing that the Kingdom was “open and ready” to accommodate them.