Cambodia focuses on connectivity, human resources under China-proposed Belt and Road initiative

Cambodia gives priorities to the development of infrastructure connectivity and human resources under the China-proposed Belt and Road cooperation framework, a Cambodian expert in the government has said.

"Under this initiative, for Cambodia, two sectors are deemed very significant as a prerequisite to the concretization of Cambodia's long-term economy," Kim Sedara, an expert of the Council of Ministers, said in a recently written interview with Xinhua.

He said infrastructure connectivity such as high-speed rails, roads and sea ports needs to be built and reconstructed, so more China's grant aids, loans and funds to Cambodia for infrastructure projects are very necessary.

The Southeast Asian country needs more scholarships, more technical trainings and technology transfers from China to develop its human capital, he said.

"Besides, Cambodia also needs China's market, foreign direct investment, and tourists," he added.

The expert added that Cambodia also wanted Chinese investment in eco-tourism such as the development of luxury hotels in coastal provinces to attract more tourists.

The Belt and Road initiative, a reference to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was initiated by China in 2013.

Kim Sedara said that Cambodia supported the initiative, adding that it would contribute to deepening Sino-Cambodian relations and maritime security cooperation.

He added that the initiative would also promote cultural understanding between the two countries.

Currently, under the initiative, specifically the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Cambodia and China have well cooperated in the fields of economy and trade, he said, adding that China and its investors have invested in special economic zones, sea ports, eco-and coastal tourism projects, rails, telecommunication and electricity power grids.