Phnom Penh, April 2, 2024 - The inauguration of the Japan-Cambodia Association office in Phnom Penh on Monday, April 1, 2024, underscored a significant stride in bilateral relations between the two nations. The ceremony, presided over by Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, HE Heng Sour, symbolized a strong political message aimed at bolstering confidence among Japanese investors in Cambodia's burgeoning economy.

Minister Heng Sour emphasized the inauguration's political weight, highlighting it as a testament to the enduring strength of Cambodia-Japan relations, particularly in the wake of the recent upgrade to a strategic partnership. He expressed confidence that the establishment of the office would serve as a vital conduit for fostering closer ties between the two countries and facilitating increased Japanese investment in Cambodia, thereby generating employment opportunities for the local populace.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of the Royal Government of Cambodia, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, in fostering an environment conducive to foreign investment, Minister Heng Sour reiterated the government's unwavering support for Japanese investors. He underscored the importance of promoting investment, particularly in small and medium enterprises, as a means of further enhancing economic cooperation between Cambodia and Japan.

In conjunction with the inauguration, Minister Heng Sour also presided over the Khmer New Year 2024 celebration of the Khmer Alumni Association from Japan, held at Oakwood Hotel in Phnom Penh. Joined by HE UENO Atsushi, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia, and approximately 150 Cambodian alumni from Japan, the event provided a platform for reconnecting and fostering camaraderie among Cambodian alumni while celebrating the traditional New Year festivities.

The event, characterized by engaging activities including games, singing, and dancing, underscored the enduring cultural ties between Cambodia and Japan, further reinforcing the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening bilateral relations.

The inauguration of the Japan-Cambodia Association office and the Khmer New Year celebration exemplified the deepening friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and Japan, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration across various sectors in the years to come.