Phnom Penh, November 4, 2024: In an ambitious commitment to bolster Cambodia's digital landscape, China has pledged to ensure 100% coverage of mobile and high-speed internet in urban areas and 70% in rural locales by 2025. This announcement was made by Mr. Wang Wenbin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Cambodia, during the China-Cambodia Digital Economic Cooperation Forum 2024 and the inauguration of the China-Cambodia Digital Economic Industry Association.

Accompanying the ambassador at the event was Dr. Aun Porn Moniroth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, who underscored the significance of this collaboration in furthering Cambodia’s digital economy. The developments come as part of ongoing efforts by the Royal Government of Cambodia to enhance digital infrastructure, which has already seen the proliferation of electronic and mobile payment systems across the nation.

Mr. Wang highlighted the transformative progress Cambodia has made in its digital economy, noting the visibility of digital platforms across various sectors—from supermarkets to local eateries. The rise of e-commerce platforms has not only facilitated modern business operations but has also made daily transactions more accessible to Cambodians.

The ambassador praised the Cambodian government's initiatives in human resources development within the digital sphere, particularly the establishment of the Digital Technology Institute, aimed at fostering technological skills among the populace.

Moreover, Chinese companies operating in Cambodia are leveraging their technological expertise to implement cutting-edge innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and mobile payment solutions. Such advancements are pivotal for elevating the country’s digital capabilities and driving economic growth through continuous technological transformation.

The formation of the China-Cambodia Digital Economy Industry Association represents a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation in the digital realm. Mr. Wang emphasized that enhancing Sino-Cambodian collaboration will broaden the vision for sustainable trade and economic development, vital for achieving a robust digital revolution in Cambodia.

Dr. Aun Porn Moniroth echoed these sentiments, noting the substantial investment from major Chinese tech firms, which is expected to create new job opportunities, facilitate digital skills training, and foster technology transfer—key components in propelling Cambodia's socio-economic advancement.

Additionally, cooperative efforts between Chinese public and private sectors with Cambodia aim to tackle digital challenges. These include initiatives such as the digital revolution in the public sector in partnership with Huawei and knowledge-sharing projects through the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation.

The cooperation plan for 2023-2025 encompasses the establishment of trade corridors and a unified gateway for trade, further enhancing the economic ties between Cambodia and China. As tourism from China continues to grow, contributing significantly to Cambodia's economy, the prospects for mutual benefit through robust trade and investment appear promising.

Furthermore, Cambodia is actively involved in negotiations concerning the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement, with expectations of enhanced technological exchange and capacity-building initiatives. Such collaborations are poised to integrate Cambodia into the digital economy more competitively, drawing on the advanced technological expertise of its partners.