Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to Attend Third BRI Summit in China
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet (C) shakes hands with a senior official in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Aug. 10, 2023. Photo: Xinhua
- By Rin Ousa
- October 15, 2023 7:29 PM
PHNOM PENH - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to participate in the Third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China, from October 17th to 18th.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hun Manet will deliver a keynote address on the topic of "The Digital Economy as a New Source of Growth" during the forum.
As 2023 marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the theme of the forum will revolve around "High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity."
On the sidelines of the summit, the prime minister will hold meetings with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders to discuss a wide range of issues related to bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Additionally, he will also meet with other foreign dignitaries.
Launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013, the BRI stands as one of the most ambitious infrastructure development initiatives aimed at fostering trade and economic development beyond Asia. Notably, the Cambodian government commends the scheme, emphasizing that it has made a substantial contribution to various countries across different sectors, ranging from the economy to social and infrastructure development.
Po Sovinda, the designated director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, states that Cambodia's top leader's participation in the BRI summit in China demonstrates the country's ongoing and unwavering support for the project.
"This further underscores that Cambodia continues to view the BRI as a vital catalyst for growth and peace," Sovinda said.
He went on to highlight that the Chinese government has consistently regarded Cambodia as an important partner for development and peace in the region. Furthermore, this support is expected to lead to more development projects in the future.
"Given the strong bond between both governments and both parties, China is likely to provide more funding for BRI projects in Cambodia, as there remains a significant need for infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas."
