Economy & Diplomacy: German ambassador calls for increased investment in Cambodia

During a courtesy visit last week to the President of the Cambodian Senate, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the German ambassador Stefan Messerer noted that during his two-year term in Cambodia, he had observed that Cambodia was prosperous, particularly Phnom Penh, whose development was proving to be both solid and dynamic.

The ambassador also expressed his appreciation of the relations and cooperation between Cambodia and Germany, which continue to develop and strengthen

Over the past two years, more than 17 German delegations have visited Cambodia, including the German President and his wife.

Ambassador Stefan Messerer also mentioned that three other German business delegations will soon be visiting Cambodia. He expressed his hope that German direct investment would develop in the kingdom.

The ambassador also informed Samdech Techo of the opening of the German consulate in Siem Reap in June. He informed the Prime Minister that the consulate will be headed by an honorary consul specialising in trade and tourism. The ambassador believes that the consulate will help to attract Germans and other Europeans to Siem Reap.

Stefan Messerer added that he would continue to support the development efforts of the 7th term Royal Government, in line with the first phase of the pentagonal strategy.

As far as bilateral relations are concerned, the German ambassador said that Cambodia and Germany enjoy good cooperation in international forums. He also thanked Cambodia for its support in training Ukrainian de-miners. Germany hopes that Cambodia will continue to develop this training. On the subject of mine clearance, the ambassador promised to continue working with various organisations on mine clearance so that Cambodia can achieve its goal of becoming mine-free by 2025. Germany is also continuing to support the Angkor temple conservation project.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen thanked the German government for its ongoing assistance to Cambodia in the area of socio-economic development. He added that the exchange of high-level delegations had helped to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of trade, investment and tourism, where significant progress had been made

On the issue of mines, Samdech Techo said that Cambodia planned to achieve mine-free status by 2025, and expressed the hope that Germany would continue to help the kingdom in this area.

On the subject of bilateral relations, Samdech Techo asked the German side to push ahead with negotiations to reach a free trade agreement between ASEAN and the European Union. Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his pleasure at promoting German tourism in Cambodia. He felt that the establishment of a German consulate in Siem Reap could also help boost tourism.