Minister of Health HE Mam Bun Heng and GX Foundation chairman HE Leung Chun-Ying signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Rosewood Phnom Penh on September 19.

The signing was witnessed by Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian, with Ministry of Health and GX Foundation management in attendance.

The agreement renews the commitment to GX Foundation’s Cataract Blindness Elimination Project in Prey Veng province, with surgery being provided free of charge.

“On behalf of GX Foundation, I am honoured to sign this second MoU between the Foundation and the Cambodian Ministry of Health, which is not only a continuation, but a strengthening of this important relationship.

“We have renewed our commitments to the GX Foundation’s Cataract Blindness Elimination Project in Prey Veng province for another three years.

“This project aims to restore vision to all the people of Prey Veng who suffer from cataract blindness, a condition reversible through surgical procedure,” said Leung, who is also vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

GX Foundation is sending two mobile eye treatment centres (METC), which are fully equipped to perform cataract surgery in only 20 minutes, with medical experts from China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region providing the free operations.

The group of experts has previous experience with delivering cataract surgery in Kampong Cham province in partnership with the Belt and Road Hong Kong Centre.

GX Foundation is a non-profit charitable Chinese organisation established in Hong Kong. It aims to provide international medical and public health humanitarian assistance in Belt and Road countries.

The name “GX” is derived from the Chinese word, pronounced “gong xiang”, for “sharing”. It is a response to the call for “people to people” connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative for International Cooperation.

Leung said it was fitting to sign the agreement with a major milestone for China-Cambodia relations approaching.

“Next year marks the 65th anniversary of China-Cambodia diplomatic relations, and it is an honour for the GX Foundation to play a part in strengthening and enhancing these ties,” he said. PHOTOS BY HONG MENEA