China-Cambodia ties, two countries enhance Belt and Road cooperation

Compass Cambodia report - Workers are racing against time to build a new landmark in Cambodia – the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. It’s located in the same city, where the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park is situated. Invested and constructed by Chinese enterprises, the airport is an iconic project under the Belt and Road Initiative.

FENG LI Project Manager, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport Project “We are now working on the mechanical and electrical installations at the terminal building and its decorative design. And we’re also busy concreting the pavement of the airfield area. We’re determined to finish the whole project in three years as planned.”

The project kicked off in March 2020, when the COVID outbreak had just started. During the past two years, the pandemic has posed a big challenge, making the cross-border transportation of both employees and materials a real headache.

FENG LI Project Manager, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport Project “We’ve taken strict measures to avoid large-scale infections that may suspend construction. We’ve asked our staff to get vaccinated and quarantine when necessary, and we’ve also been monitoring everyone’s body temperature.”

The project involves more than 1,000 local workers. The airport is scheduled to be completed in March next year and become operational in October.

TEKRETH SAMRACH Chairman, Steering Committee for Construction of Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport “The airport itself will promote trade, investment, tourist arrival, air transportation services. This will lead to economic growth and job creation for Cambodian people. Tourist industry plays a very important role in Cambodian economy. It takes up like 15 to 17% of our GDP. This is going to be the biggest airport in Cambodia.”

And bilateral cooperation goes far beyond infrastructure. The Chinese company in charge of the construction of the airport is also carrying out an educational project, aiming to upgrade facilities of 27 schools across Cambodia. The company says they attach equal importance to both project quality and social responsibility.

HU KAILIN General Manager, International Engineering Department, Yunnan Construction and Investment Holding Group Company “We try to use environmentally-friendly products and strictly follow local laws and regulations to protect the natural environment, like forests and prevent pollution. We also try to raise our staff’s awareness in this regard.”

Chairman Samrach says Cambodia and China have very good relations, and he hopes both sides can seize the opportunity to enhance cooperation in trade, investment and cultural exchanges.

Source: KhmerTimes

Compass global site: Cambodia | Singapore | UAE | Thailand | Philippines | Myanmar | Laos