China announces $27M in development funding
CHINA has pledged $27 million to improve the lives of Cambodians and help the Kingdom achieve further development. The announcement was made during a meeting between Prime Minister Hun Sen and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on November 9, who is visiting Cambodia from November 8-11.
Li said the relationship between Cambodia and China is a close one in all fields. He expressed his pleasure at the relations and the Kingdom’s rapid development.
Eang Sophalleth, personal assistant to the prime minister, told reporters after the meeting: “Li made it clear that China will continue to support Cambodia’s further progress. This includes the pledge of $27 million to improve the lives of Cambodians and protect the Kingdom’s unique heritage.”
“This initial financing will increase the number of Cambodian students who will study in China, support demining activities and improve public health. It will also contribute to a successful SEA Games, both in terms of the organisation of the games and in the provision of training facilities to Cambodian athletes,” he said.
“In addition, part of the funding will support plans for a new Mekong crossing and a rail network which will connect Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and China,” he added.
According to Sophalleth, Li said the Chinese government will ensure that quality Cambodian agricultural exports to China increase, as well as provide assistance with entering other international markets.
Hun Sen thanked the China for the additional aid, and for confirmation of its continued support.
He said the successful control of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the reopening of the Kingdom in November last year, was partially due to the vaccines provided by China.
He lauded the great achievements of the Communist Party of China and wished them further success in development. He also expressed his hopes that China would achieve its second 100-year goal of building a modern, prosperous socialist country.
Hun Sen and his Chinese counterpart also presided over the signing ceremony of 18 documents. They included assistance for development projects in Cambodia and the symbolic inauguration of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway.