ZHENGZHOU, Henan: In Henan province, China, the ‘Zhengzhou-Cambodia-ASEAN New Air Silk Road Development Forum’ was officially inaugurated by China and Cambodia. The event, which took place on Friday, was held at the Conference Centre of Huanghe State Guesthouse in Henan Peony Hall and was jointly hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC).
An Wei, a member of the Standing Committee of CPC Henan Provincial Committee and Secretary of Zhangzhou Municipal Party Committee, delivered opening remarks. He emphasized that the establishment of the ‘Henan-Cambodia-ASEAN Air Silk Road’ would create a new framework for regional cooperation.
This forum was organized by the Zhengzhou Research Institute of the People’s Government of Zhengzhou and Cambodia Angkor Air. Government officials, experts from China, Cambodia, and other ASEAN nations, as well as business representatives, attended the event.
Notably, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Over the past decade, both sides have maintained their original motivation and worked together to enhance the prosperity of Henan-Cambodia-ASEAN cooperation.
Under the theme “Building a Community with a Shared Future in the New Era,” forum participants shared their cooperative experiences related to the Belt and Road Initiative. The forum also discussed plans to establish two industrial parks in both countries and outline a new vision for developing an open economy.
An Wei stressed the strong foundation for Zhengzhou-Cambodia-ASEAN cooperation and the historical significance of the development of the Air Silk Road in this new era. He emphasized the enduring friendship between China and Cambodia and the commitment to openness and inclusiveness in building friendly regional cooperation.
A prime example of this cooperation is the state-owned Xing Gang Investment Group (XIG) becoming a shareholder of Cambodia Angkor Air, with direct flights between Zhengzhou and Phnom Penh resuming. XIG’s acquisition of 28% of Cambodia’s national carrier was part of its strategy to develop Zhengzhou as an international air hub.
An noted that the implementation of the China-Cambodia ‘Diamond Hexagon’ cooperation was accelerating the construction of economic and trade channels linking China, Cambodia, and ASEAN countries. The ‘Four Silk Roads’ operating in the air, on land, online, and at sea have increased economic and people-to-people exchanges between Henan and ASEAN countries, promising a bright future for Zhengzhou-Cambodia-ASEAN cooperation.
Zhengzhou’s role as a transportation and logistics hub and gateway to the world has become increasingly significant. Zhengzhou airport’s extensive cargo network, covering 68 countries and regions, has connected international trade and logistics channels, establishing a new integrated international transport hub.
RAC President Sok Touch encouraged close cooperation in the tourism sector between Cambodia and Zhengzhou, which boasts approximately 12 million residents. David Yuhong Zhan, Vice Chairman and CEO of Cambodia Angkor Air (CAA), discussed plans to develop the Zhengzhou-Phnom Penh connection as a Bidirectional Super Tourist Destination. CAA is actively seeking support from the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia and forging agreements with various partners to develop Zhengzhou and Phnom Penh as international tourist destinations, including the construction of the ASEAN Centre in Zhengdong New District.
The history of Cambodia Angkor Air, which began in 1956, reflects the dream of a modern Cambodia over the past 60 years. CAA, the only national flag carrier supported by government investment, currently operates numerous domestic and international routes, connecting various cities in Southeast Asia, India, and more than ten cities in China, including Zhengzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Haikou, and Macau.
NOTE: The Truth International published this exclusive story of Khmer Times, Cambodia’s English newspaper after signing a bilateral cooperation MoU with the media group in Phnom Penh. Under this arrangement, TTI and Khmer Times are exchanging stories and articles on a regular basis.
