Depth report

　　

Du Phu Win, a visiting scholar at the Royal Cambodian Academy of Sciences, and Shen Shang, director of the Public Relations Department, wrote in China Daily on August 8 that China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative 10 years ago, which is the most ambitious and largest infrastructure connectivity and development project to date. Like many countries, Cambodia's infrastructure, economy and cultural development have greatly benefited from the initiative.

The Belt and Road Initiative promotes faster and more efficient infrastructure development

The article pointed out that Cambodia is an important trade and connectivity hub in Southeast Asia, and Chinese investment has promoted the upgrading of Cambodia's infrastructure.

New or upgraded roads, railways, seaports and airports have greatly facilitated the transportation of goods and people inside and outside Cambodia. These infrastructures are linked to free trade zones and special economic zones, further improving regional connectivity, facilitating trade and attracting foreign investment, which in turn drives Cambodia's economic growth and creates jobs for the Cambodian people.

The Belt and Road Initiative has played an important role in strengthening China-Cambodia trade relations. With improved infrastructure and logistics, as well as the newly signed free trade agreement between China and Cambodia, Cambodia has attracted many international investors and companies looking to expand their business in Southeast Asia. Increased trade has diversified Cambodia's economy and helped it develop energy, telecommunications, finance, logistics, tourism and agriculture.

China's agricultural investment in Cambodia contributes to agricultural modernization and productivity improvement, which has a positive impact on Cambodia's agricultural exports. Cambodian farmers have benefited a lot, and the processing and packaging industries have also been greatly developed. In fact, Cambodia has become a major source of rice, fruits and vegetables for Asian markets.

Cambodia is rich in mineral resources, and infrastructure construction under the Belt and Road Initiative has helped boost mining and mineral processing. Large projects in mining and forestry require stringent environmental controls and monitoring. Guided by the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the Belt and Road Initiative focuses on sustainable and green development, prioritizing strict environmental regulations and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that investments in mining, agriculture and forestry are in line with the SDGS. The Belt and Road Initiative also prioritizes the development of renewable energy and promotes biodiversity conservation.

China's investment in Cambodia's energy infrastructure will help ease the country's power shortages and promote sustainable development. The construction of hydropower, solar power plants and transmission networks has boosted energy production in Cambodia and reduced its dependence on expensive imported energy, which in turn has helped to improve electricity supply, promote industrial growth and attract foreign direct investment to energy-intensive industries. In addition, investment by Chinese companies in the electrification of Cambodia's transport sector has driven the expansion of the charging network. On this basis, Chinese-made electric vehicles have become a beautiful sight on the roads Cambodia is building under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Belt and Road Initiative has promoted rapid economic development

The article further stated that one of the most important achievements of the Belt and Road in Cambodia is the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone. The zone has attracted foreign investment, boosted Cambodia's manufacturing sector, created jobs and increased exports. Through partnerships with investors in the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone and Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone, Cambodia has become a major exporter of value-added products such as auto parts and bicycles by processing rubber into car tires.

Investment under the Belt and Road framework has also boosted Cambodia's construction industry, driving modern residential and commercial real estate development, helping the country to increase income, improve living standards, reduce poverty and boost socio-economic development.

The Belt and Road Initiative has a profound cultural impact

The Belt and Road Initiative has had a profound impact on Cambodian society and culture, as significant changes have taken place in local communities. One notable change is the rapid urbanization and modernization of rural areas. New roads connect remote areas with major cities, facilitating the movement of goods and people. On this basis, new urban centers have emerged and existing urban centers have expanded.

In the post-pandemic era, Chinese tourists and other international visitors have benefited from improvements in Cambodia's transportation, hotel infrastructure and globally integrated electronic payment systems. Thanks to the enhanced connectivity of infrastructure, domestic and foreign tourists in Cambodia can more easily visit the country's rich cultural heritage and historical sites. The influx of tourists has brought in significant revenue, providing new economic opportunities for local communities that have built or are operating hotels, restaurants and retail outlets.

In addition, cultural exchanges between China and Cambodia have increased under the Belt and Road Initiative. Cultural exchanges between the two countries have been promoted as Chinese tourists, workers and investors bring their traditions, language and customs to Cambodia. Through the Belt and Road Cultural and Educational Network, many Cambodian students have won scholarships to study in Chinese universities and vocational training institutions. This cross-cultural exchange further enriches cultural diversity.

All in all, the Belt and Road construction projects in Cambodia highlight the benefits of comprehensive planning, good and transparent governance, environmental protection, partnership building and sound oversight mechanisms. In order to fully tap the potential of the Belt and Road Initiative, China and Cambodia should deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly build a high-quality and high-level China-Cambodia community with a shared future.