Battambang Chamber of Commerce (BCC) president Phou Veasna said on January 16 that a major Chinese company has expressed an interest in investing in agro-industry in the province. 

He said representatives of Brand of China National Heavy Machinery Corporation had met for talks with a BCC working group. 

“The meeting was held to attract investors from abroad to Battambang province. We want to establish close cooperation between the BCC and the large Chinese company, with the hope that they will invest in processing agricultural products. We produce a wide variety of crops here, especially fruit and vegetables,” he said.

He described the meeting as “positive”, but that the company needs time to conduct an exhaustive study before committing to a large investment. 

“We … welcome all potential sources of capital. Battambang has many agricultural crops,” he added.

Provincial governor Sok Lou noted that in the past, he had also met with several Chinese delegations who sought to gain an understanding of the investment potential and other opportunities in the province. 

“We personally welcome all investors, whether they come from China or any other country. We are always pleased to cooperate with them and offer them the chance to invest in our land,” he said.

“Our province is in high demand in terms of agriculture, which is drawing the attention of investors at home and abroad. Many of them are interested in agro-industry and the processing of fruit and other agricultural products for exports abroad,” he added. 

He noted that many of the province’s crops were still sold as raw products, sometimes creating a market surplus, which drove prices down.

Lou added that the government has designated the province the “fourth economic pole”, as well as a major tourist destination. To this end, the transport infrastructure has been improved, with new roads linking it to Phnom Penh and Banteay Meachey province, which shares its border with Thailand. 

He said the government also has plans to build new roads which will connect Siem Reap province to Battambang. If the Phnom Penh-Siem Reap Expressway and the new Siem Reap-Battambang road become a reality, Lou expects that both domestic and international tourists will visit Battambang in large numbers.