PHNOM PENH: Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen wants Japanese businesses to invest in factories to process existing raw materials and in advanced technologies such as car assembly, electronics and energy.

On September 13, Hun Sen met with the President of the Japan-Cambodia Association and former Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Fumiaki Takahashi to discuss business and the upcoming celebration of the 70th anniversary of Japan-Cambodia diplomatic relations in November.

Takahashi told Hun Sen that he is ready to invite Japanese investors, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to invest in key sectors in Cambodia after having discussed the matter with Prime Minister Hun Manet. Hun Sen was happy to hear that and suggested the ambassador push for investment in two main areas: factories to process raw materials and factories to produce advanced technologies such as car assembly, electronics and energy. He also mentioned the importance of building food security in the Mekong region by supplying production chains and establishing the Association of Rice Exporters to maintain price stability and unanimity in market supply.

The former prime minister said he highly values the good diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan and referenced a “bamboo bridge” that connects them.