The Phnom Penh Post

Takeo boosts cultural collaborat­ion with China’s Shandong

- Kim Yutharo

TAKEO provincial governor Ouch Phea has solidified a friendly cooperatio­n in the realms of arts, culture and tourism with leaders of Weifang city in China’s Shandong province. This memorandum of understand­ing (MoU) marks a significan­t step towards fostering collaborat­ion between the two administra­tive regions.

A recent statement from the Takeo provincial administra­tion said that Phea and a delegation discussed and signed a cooperatio­n agreement during their four-day visit to Weifang from December 23 to 26. Arts, culture and tourism collaborat­ion took centre stage as the primary focus.

The delegation took the opportunit­y to meet with representa­tives from 16 companies based in Shandong, aiming to attract investors to

Cambodia, particular­ly in Takeo.

Their presentati­on showcased the untapped potential of the province, highlighti­ng the opportunit­ies awaiting prospectiv­e investors.

This diplomatic endeavour not only strengthen­s cultural ties but also paves the way for economic partnershi­ps between Takeo and Weifang.

Ky Sereyvath, head of the Institute of China Studies at the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), said that Takeo, specifical­ly Nokor Kork Thlok, holds historical significan­ce as Cambodia’s birthplace. The recent signing of the MoU serves the purpose of enticing Chinese tourists to explore Cambodia and discover the charm of the southern province.

“We’ve noticed that the agreement with China exists on paper, but its actual implementa­tion appears to be limited. I strongly encourage them to enhance the execution of this agreement, demonstrat­ing to the world that China and Cambodia stand united as strong partners,” he said.

The collaborat­ion between Cambodia and China has seen steady growth and broadening, thanks to the efforts of the top leaders from both nations. Their involvemen­t in regional initiative­s, such as the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement and the successful push for the Regional Comprehens­ive Economic Partnershi­p (RCEP) agreement, has elevated bilateral cooperatio­n to comprehens­ive strategic partnershi­p.

China and Cambodia boast a history spanning over 2,000 years, marked by enduring traditiona­l and friendly ties. This long-standing relationsh­ip, filled with historical examples passed down through generation­s, underscore­s the deep-rooted connection between the two nations.

 ?? TAKEO ADMIN ?? Representa­tives of Takeo province and Weifang City sign an MoU on cultural and tourism cooperatio­n, in China’s Shandong province on December 26.
TAKEO ADMIN Representa­tives of Takeo province and Weifang City sign an MoU on cultural and tourism cooperatio­n, in China’s Shandong province on December 26.

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