Xiangyang Daily (Sun Fengling, the All-media Journalist, and Wang Ke, the Correspondent) On November 27, Vei Samnang, Governor of Takeo Province, Cambodia, led a delegation to Xiangyang, Hubei Province, for an inspection visit. During this visit, Hu Yong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Xiangyang Municipal Committee and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, met with the delegation.

Hu Yong emphasized that China and Cambodia share a long-standing tradition of friendship as neighboring countries. Since the establishment of sister-city relations between Xiangyang and Takeo Province in August 2016, both parties have consistently engaged in stable and amicable exchanges. Earlier this year, before the Spring Festival, Vei Samnang extended greetings to the people of Xiangyang. He returned with a delegation to further enhance mutual understanding and explore avenues for cooperation this time. Hu warmly welcomed their visit.

Hu Yong introduced Xiangyang as a significant city in central China, strategically located along the Hanshui River basin and serving as a sub-central city of Hubei Province. With its rich history, advantageous geographical location, and robust industrial foundation, Xiangyang is well-equipped for collaborative opportunities. Hu emphasized that the fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee highlighted China’s commitment to expanding high-standard opening-up, advancing innovative trade development, enhancing bilateral investment cooperation, and promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Xiangyang will thoroughly study and implement the principles outlined in the plenary session, unswervingly pursue reform and opening-up, deepen exchanges and cooperation with Takeo Province, strengthen sister-city relations, and actively engage in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to contribute to building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.

Hu Yong expressed his hope that both parties will enhance agricultural cooperation by leveraging their respective strengths in agriculture. This includes fostering exchanges in agricultural technology, trade, food processing, and machinery to promote resource complementarity and industrial synergy. He suggested deepening collaboration in the cultural and tourism sectors by exploring the protection of cultural heritage, promoting tourism resources, and encouraging mutual visits. Furthermore, he called for improved trade connectivity by supporting enterprises in expanding their import and export activities. This involves facilitating the circulation of specialty agricultural products, automobile manufacturing goods, textiles, and other commodities while increasing the overall scale of bilateral trade.

Vei Samnang expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome from Xiangyang and provided an overview of the development advantages and cooperative vision of Takeo Province. He emphasized that Takeo Province benefits from a strategic geographic location and has built a comprehensive network that includes road, rail, waterway, and air transportation. He highlighted the enduring friendship between Cambodia and China, noting significant potential for collaboration between Takeo Province and Xiangyang. He looked forward to fostering long-term and stable partnerships in various areas, including the economy and trade, infrastructure, tourism, and agriculture. By sharing development opportunities, both regions can work together to start a new chapter of friendship and cooperation, contributing their local strengths toward establishing a China-Cambodia community with a shared future in this new era.

Municipal leaders Meng Yanqing and Fu Jinsong were also in attendance at the meeting.