2 October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 71st National Day Ambassador’s message Ambassador Extraordinary Over the past 71 years, under According to statistics, while the 2020 and Plenipotentiary of the the leadership of the CPC, the China’s second-quarter GDP joint military exercise was People’s Republic of China to Chinese people, through self- has realised year-on-year China’s first and only joint the Kingdom of Cambodia reliance and painstaking efforts, growth of 3.2 per cent. military exercise with a foreign HE Wang Wentian have overcome one difficulty The International Monetary army. and another, and created many Fund predicts that China will The fifth meeting of the y dear compatri- great achievements which have become the only major econo- China-Cambodia Intergovern- ots and friends, to- attracted world attention. my that can maintain positive mental Coordination Com- day is the National The Chinese nation has not growth throughout 2020. mittee was the first high-level Day of the People’s only stood up, but also become This year marks the 10th an- bilateral cooperation meeting RMepublic of China. richer and stronger. niversary of the establishment to be held by China and a On this joyous occasion, on This year China will achieve of the comprehensive strategic neighbouring country. behalf of the Chinese Embassy its first centenary goal by partnership of cooperation These and countless other in Cambodia, I would like to ex- completing the building of a between China and Cambo- facts prove that the traditional tend the most sincere greetings moderately prosperous society dia, while it is also the first China-Cambodia friendship has to all staff of Chinese-funded in all respects. Today’s China is anniversary of the signing of been further refined during the institutions, volunteer Chinese closer than ever before to realis- the action plan for building a pandemic. teachers, overseas students and ing the great goal of national China-Cambodia community of Undergoing profound local Chinese compatriots. rejuvenation. shared futures. changes unseen in a century, Taking this opportunity, I Since the beginning of this Faced with the Covid-19 the world is at a new historical would also like to express my year, Covid-19 has spread all pandemic, the two countries, the starting point, and the destiny heartfelt gratitude to our Cam- over the world. Faced with this two governments and the two of mankind has never been so bodian friends from all walks of aggressive pandemic, we, under peoples have stood together to closely connected. life who have cared about and the leadership of the CPC Cen- overcome difficulties, setting an China will stay firmly com- supported China’s development tral Committee with Comrade Xi example for international coop- mitted to opening our door for a long time and are commit- Jinping as its core, have given eration in pandemic control. wider to the world, and working top priority to people’s lives and We have jointly created many jointly with Cambodia as well ted to enhancing the traditional Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia HE Wang Wentian. China-Cambodia friendship. health, waging a people’s war firsts during the pandemic. as other countries to achieve Seventy-one years ago, under against the pandemic. sibilities as a major country. ing international environment, Prime Minister Hun Sen more win-win results. the leadership of the Com- Within a short time, China China has cumulatively pro- China has coordinated the pro- was the first foreign head of China will always practise munist Party of China (CPC), has achieved major strategic vided more than $2 billion in motion of epidemic prevention government to visit China, while multilateralism and continue to the Chinese people successfully outcomes in the fight and effec- international aid for pandemic and control, and economic and the first batch of foreign aid to promote the building of a com- overthrew the three mountains tively safeguarded the lives and control. The Chinese govern- social development. Wuhan came from Cambodia. munity with a shared future of imperialism, feudalism and health of the Chinese people. ment will actively carry out the By vigorously advancing the The Chinese government and for mankind, in order to realise bureaucratic capitalism after While maintaining preven- solemn commitment of making “dual circulation” development military have respectively sent greater solidarity and progress years of struggle and completed tion and control efforts at China’s vaccine an international pattern in which the domestic groups of medical experts to for human society. a new democratic revolution. home, China has been actively public product as proposed by economic cycle plays a leading Cambodia, the first initiative May China and Cambodia en- The founding of the new advocating a community of President Xi Jinping, and help role while the international eco- of its kind in the region or joy ever growing prosperity and China marked the Chinese common health for mankind, make the vaccine accessible nomic cycle remains its exten- the world. their peoples living in peace. people standing up, with the while fully supporting and and affordable for developing sion and supplement, we have The China-Cambodia Free May the brotherly China- Chinese nation embarking on engaging in international co- countries. steadily and effectively restored Trade Agreement was the Cambodia friendship be passed a great path to achieve great operation in pandemic control. Faced with the pandemic and the normal order of economic Kingdom’s first FTA concluded on from generation to genera- rejuvenation. This demonstrates our respon- the complicated and evolv- and social development. through video negotiations, tion and last forever. 71st China National Day October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 3 Congratulations to people of China for ‘building a great, modern country’

n the occasion of the perfect bliss of Mid-Autumn Festival, we celebrate theO 71st birthday of our great motherland. On this special and beautiful day, all members of the China Hong Kong & Macau Expatri- ate & Business Association of Cambodia and myself sin- cerely wish for the wind and rain to come at their time, and that our motherland flourishes and people live in peace. Best wishes to our Hong Kong and Macau compatri- ots and overseas Chinese in Cambodia for a happy Mid- Autumn Festival. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in The China Hong Kong & Macau Expatriate & Business Association of Cambodia provides medical aid in the Kingdom. 1949, the great changes over the 71 years have allowed the With their indomitable spirit great sacrifices, China finally the wind and rain cannot stop world to witness the impressive and unyielding will, the Chi- achieved a decisive victory in the Chinese people from mov- pace of China’s progress – from nese people have built China the control of the epidemic ing towards a better life and closed and backward to open into a great, modern and pow- and provided valuable refer- realising the “Chinese Dream” and progressive, with unprec- erful country, with the Chinese ences and assistance for epi- and the great rejuvenation of edented entry into the centre of nation standing tall among the demic prevention and control the Chinese nation. the international arena. nations of the world. in countries around the world. Happy birthday to the great From rags to the riches of This year is destined to Looking back at the past, we motherland, and may the being the world’s second-larg- be an extraordinary one for walk with great momentum, friendship between China and est economy, China has taken China and the world. The sud- and each step is full of suffer- Cambodia be everlasting and mere decades to complete the den outbreak of Covid-19 has ing and hardship. unchanging. industrialisation process caused a great deal of suffer- Facing the future, we may Yum Sui Sang, chairman that developed countries have ing for all of humanity. still encounter some risks and of the China Hong Kong & China Hong Kong & Macau Expatriate & Business Association of Cambodia gone through for hundreds After more than two months challenges, but we always Macau Expatriate & Business chairman Yum Sui Sang. of years. of arduous struggles and believe that, no matter what, Association of Cambodia. New era for China-Cambodia trade ties hina-Cambodia in areas that could be comple- Once the FTA kicks in, entrepreneurs. Economic economic ties are mentary to China. Eventually around 340 commodities from relations between both coun- entering a new para- Cambodia’s agricultural produce Cambodia will be exempt tries have been promoted and digm with the signing can be exported directly to from tariffs, including pepper, improved, and the FTA agree- ofC the Kingdom’s first free China, not through third coun- garlic, dried chilis, cashew ment would attract even more trade agreement (FTA) tries,” said HE Nguon Mengtech, nuts, honey and seafood Chinese business activities. this year with the Asian director-general of the Cambo- products. “Bilateral trade has economic powerhouse. dia Chamber of Commerce. This will inject a big boost been progressing well. This Economic compatibility, a Chinese companies – both into the rural economy, where year both countries have cordial friendship and common state-owned and private – 80 per cent of the population entered into the FTA, and ideals have contributed to a have contributed immensely rely on farming. this can boost two-way healthy trading environment, to the Kingdom’s infrastruc- The deal covers goods and business and investment. with China’s mega investments ture, and to the energy, real services, investment coopera- Total bilateral trade reached driving vital infrastructure estate and agriculture sectors. tion, e-commerce, economic $9.4 billion last year. projects in Cambodia over The FTA could be a game and technical cooperation, “Both state-owned and the decades. changer. While tariffs will fall, and also includes the Belt and private-owned enterprises Two-way trade hit $9.43 the trade pact will also allow Road Initiative. have contributed to the billion last year compared to Cambodian exporters to enjoy The two parties completed domestic economy, in terms $7.4 billion in 2018 – a 27.7 more market access for their their FTA negotiations on of the transfer of technol- per cent jump. products – which is crucial at July 20. ogy, upgrading the skills of “Cambodia should take ad- this juncture after Covid-19 “Cambodia remains attrac- Cambodian workers and job vantage of the FTA with China clipped trade flows. tive to Chinese investors and creation,” Mengtech said. Cambodia Chamber of Commerce director-general HE Nguon Mengtech. 4 October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 71st China National Day Hong Kong-Cambodia: A story of unbroken decades-old trade ties

ambodia has trade is the use of the arbitra- remained a fertile tion service in Hong Kong. ground for investors Hong Kong has a very estab- from Hong Kong for lished arbitration system and a theC past 20 years. strong legal system, similar to With its close proximity, Singapore’s. ease of doing business, invest- The flourishing ties hit a ment opportunities, dollarised snag with the Covid-19 pan- economy, ready availability of demic, which has slowed trade manpower and resources, the and the cross-border move- Kingdom has the right combi- ment of people, Ng noted. nation to entice investors. “Before Covid-19, we could “One reason Hong Kong see a lot of investment coming investors want to come to in from China and Hong Kong. Cambodia is because it is a Hong Kong is a bit special US dollar-based economy because of its ties with China. with investor friendly foreign Since returning to China, we exchange control. This is very can see that an increasing important because a lot of amount of Hong Kong com- business in Hong Kong is done panies that have invested in in US dollars as well. Cambodia also have close busi- “Secondly, the government ness relationships with China. is very welcoming towards for- “Covid-19 did not actually eigners coming to do business deter people from investing in in Cambodia. Cambodia, but it made it dif- “Even though certain costs are ficult for people to come to the not the lowest, it is easy to do Kingdom. Cathay Dragon had business,” Hong Kong Busi- been operating 14 direct flights ness Association of Cambodia weekly between Cambodia and (HKBAC) executive director Larry Cambodia has been attracting investors from Hong Kong for the past 20 years. Hong Kong before the outbreak. Shuen Fai Ng told The Post. “Usually when investors Investors from Hong Kong be seen in the membership of Cambodia, which is rapidly real estate planning and corpo- “The Hong Kong Trade decide to invest here, they have ploughed their capital HKBAC. shaping its young economy, rate funding. Development Council has been want to visit the country to into the vibrant sectors – such “We can see the increase in can obtain benefits from Hong Ng said the major inter- organising government delega- better understand the people as garment and shoe produc- businesses coming to Cambo- Kong as a super-connector, national financial hub is tions and business seminars and culture. tion, medicine and pharma- dia from Hong Kong to open particularly in connecting continously looking at further to bring investors from Hong “But due to travel restric- ceuticals, real estate, retail and restaurants to serve Hong experts in the services sector, ways to encourage trade be- Kong to Cambodia. tions they are not able to come, restaurants – that are fuelling Kong-style cuisine and open in areas such as architectural tween Hong Kong, China and One of the services that can so foreign direct investment the domestic economy, as can retail stores as well,” said Ng. design, technical know-how, Cambodia. help boost the international has slowed,” he said. Jie Wei overcomes challenges with unexpected demand for pyjamas

When Jie Wei Cambodia to many established markets nearby, and close to 1,200 Garment Factory Ltd com- around the world.” employees including manage- menced operations in 2011, Having been involved in ment staff,” he said. it was in response to the garment manufacturing in Jie Wei had for many years government’s call for foreign Cambodia for more than a been producing and exporting investors to help drive the decade, Tam – who is also the an estimated 10 million gar- Kingdom’s garment sector. director of the Hong Kong ment items to the EU. The company’s executive Business Association of However, with the Covid-19 director, Raymond Tam, told Cambodia (HKBAC) and an outbreak at the beginning of The Post: “Fifteen years ago executive member of the this year and the partial with- when we chose Cambodia as Garment Manufacturing drawal of the preferential treat- our manufacturing base, costs Association in Cambodia – has ment enjoyed by Cambodia in the production of garments, truly seen the industry evolve, under “Everything But Arms” such as wages, renting factory particularly in recent times. (EBA) in August, the company premises and logistics, were “When we started manufac- may look at alternative markets relatively low. turing in 2011 in Cambodia, and new approaches to doing “And to make it more we were operating from a business. attractive for us to invest small factory and had a small Fortunately for Jie Wei, its here, the government was workforce. Today, we have a diversification approach into also offering attractive tax main factory on Veng Sreng the US and Canadian markets incentives, while the country Road in Phnom Penh and a has paid handsome dividends – enjoyed export concessions smaller subsidiary located thanks in part, surprisingly, to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Who would have thought that the Covid-19 pandemic would present our company HKBAC director Raymond Tam (right) and vice chairman So Man Kit during an interview with The Post. with a much needed boost in business, especially in these quantities of pyjamas for the “The major concern for us cus on the EU market. But for times of economic uncertainty? US, and to a lesser degree the with the EU market is that ef- the time being, we will also “Believe it or not, producing Canadian market,” Tam said. fective from August this year, look for other solutions and pyjamas extended a lifeline to As for the challenges posed import tax will be applied to opportunities that are able to our business. During the lock- by the EU’s partial withdrawal 40 garment categories – 25 mitigate any potential loss of downs due to the Covid-19 of EBA for Cambodia, Tam is for garments, nine for shoes the EU market,” he said. outbreak, people were staying confident that with ongoing and six for bags. Nevertheless, for Jie Wei, at home and the demand for efforts and plans to diversify “With taxes placed on the accidental foray into the pyjamas increased. business into other markets, it our export orders, we will pyjama-making garment cate- “And as a result, two of is likely that Jie Wei’s depen- be less competitive. gory is sure to be a hit in light our direct buyers – Target dency on garment orders from “Reducing the cost of opera- of the uncertainty engulfing and Walmart –requested us to the EU market may decrease tions may be one alternative the garment manufacturing produce and export significant in time. to consider if we plan to refo- industry globally. 71st China National Day October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 5 China Aid building up Kingdom

Infrastructure projects The China Aid-funded Cambodia Rural Road Project-Phase II-Lot 2 is being carried out by the Yunan Construction and Investment Holding Group Co Ltd (YCIH). The objective of Phase II is to improve road infrastructure in rural parts of Cambodia, which will help in alleviating poverty, as well as boost the rural economy and improve the socio-economic status of people in remote areas. Some of the provinces that have benefited from the project are Tbong Khmum, Prey Veng and Svay Rieng. China plans to provide financial assistance to fund Cambodia’s rural road projects, repairing and upgrading existing roads.

China-Aid Cambodia Rural Water Supply Project-Phase II

With a Chinese government grant, the China Aid-funded Cambodia Rural Water Supply Project-Phase II commenced in November last year. Scheduled for completion within two years, a total of 964 boreholes and 54 community ponds are to be constructed across 10 provinces. Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu, Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap and Kampot provinces are to benefit. The infrastructure will provide clean and hygienic water for daily human consumption, agricultural irrigation and livestock breeding for thousands of rural residents.

China Railway Construction Group builds Tbong Khmum hospital China’s second largest medical aid infrastructure contribution is a hospital in Tbong Khmum province that commenced construction on last year. It is expected to be completed by October next year. The hospital has been designed by China IPPR International Engineering Co Ltd and is being built by the China Railway Construction Group. Its facilities include a medical consultation hall, a 300-bed general ward, a 10-bed intensive care unit, operating rooms, an emergency room, a pharmacy, a fuid distribution centre and a kitchen. In addition, the hospital’s radiology and radiotherapy department will be equipped with the latest state-of-the-art MRI, CT, DR and gastrointestinal contrast imaging machines. 6 October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 71st China National Day Future still bright for Ming Fai Group ong Kong-listed The group’s subsidiary Ming exports are targeted at the US Ming Fai Group, an Fai Enterprise (Cambodia) and European markets. international manu- Co Ltd, which commenced It manufactures products facturer specialising operations in the Kingdom in such as hotel slippers, eye inH hotel and travel amenities, 2018, and currently operates a masks, socks and shower caps, has chosen Cambodia as its key 17-block factory. It employed as well as travel kits, airline production hub in the region more than 2,000 workers dur- bags and fashion bags. due to the Kingdom’s friendly ing the peak of operations. Its products are intended for business policies. Most of the company’s the hotel, travel and aviation industries. The supplier was not spared during the Covid-19 outbreak – with a dramatic drop in sales and production lines function- ing under capacity. However, Ming Fai Group’s founder and chairman Ch- ing Chi Fai is confident that business will bounce back as the Kingdom’s manufactur- ing sector recovers from the slowdown triggered by the Covid-19 outbreak. “Our business operations were highly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. There was a period when our workforce was reduced to 700, due to a sharp fall in orders from our clients. But as of last month, the number of our ac- Ming Fai Enterprise (Cambodia) Co Ltd currently operates a 17-block factory. tive workers is around 1,200. “Demand for our products hoping to make further use while demand from China has government’s Covid measures. mainly comes from the travel of the advantages of running begun to pick up slowly. While noting that the un- industry, which in recent years manufacturing operations in “With orders gradually precedented pandemic threat- had seen steady growth in the the Kingdom,” he said. climbing back to pre-pandemic ening the global market could Southeast Asia region before The operations hub of Ming levels, the number of active pose a mid-term impact on the coronavirus pandemic. I Fai is located in Shenzhen, workers will rebound to the Ming Fai Group’s manufactur- believe that in five years’ time China, while it owns five previous number of 2,000 by ing operations, Ching remains Southeast Asia’s travel industry production bases, including the end of this year,” he said. optimistic. will have recovered and again in Cambodia. Despite declining revenue, “I believe companies will enjoy vibrant growth. Ching said that since the Ming Fai offered a special make adjustments according “We are also working hard pandemic, orders from the US allowance to workers who to their own circumstances to to expand our business in and European markets have were temporarily suspended gain better development in the Ming Fai Group founder and chairman Ching Chi Fai. Cambodia and Southeast Asia, witnessed the biggest decline, as required by the Cambodian future,” he said. 71st China National Day October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 7

WMC upbeat as Chinese cars on rise

s Worldwide US,” said senior sales manager BAW, , along with the hand cars to facilitate this. Motors Company Alex Cheong. FAW Bestune T77 and Zotye “Buying a new car represents Ltd (WMC) cele- This change in perceptions is T800, and has models to cater an investment, while the massive brates National reflected in WMC this year dou- for all segments of society, benefits of owning one in terms DayA of the People’s Republic bling the number of showrooms with prices ranging from of increased safety for your of China, the Kingdom’s No1 in the capital to four, with the $25,000 to $75,000. family and better reliability as seller of the Asian giant’s realistic prediction of tripling “We have a range of SUVs you drive to the province brings leading car marques has a the number of vehicles it sells and pick-up trucks for all peace of mind. The latest tech- positive message. each month. needs and budgets, with FAW nology in new cars also means WMC is upbeat as it con- “We opened two new show- the luxury marque. The Great they are far more environmen- tinues to win in its mission to rooms earlier this year as we Wall H6 and H9, along tally friendly,” Cheong said. convince Cambodians of the are finding that Cambodians with Bestune and Huanghai, With WMC offering such a quality of Chinese automo- are increasingly realising that are among our bestsellers,” complete package, Cheong says tive manufacturing and the Chinese cars are as high quality Cheong said. Chinese cars will increasingly undoubted benefits of owning as anything else available on WMC has four showrooms in Phnom Penh. With the lowest down become an ever more common a new car. the market but represent far payments available in the sight on the Kingdom’s roads. “The continued success of more value for money. every week to make sure they for Toyota and Germany for Kingdom, at 15 to 20 per cent, “Our message is that with WMC and the growing popular- “This coupled with our focus are happy. Mercedes, he can attest to the WMC is committed to helping the high quality of Chinese cars ity of Chinese cars are in no on customer care and customer “Consequently people are quality of Chinese cars now Cambodians own new cars. and our peerless after-sales and small part down to the Cambo- satisfaction, and our drive to more and more choosing to being at a level with anything This is combined with gener- customer care, as well as our dian-Chinese partnership. offer customers the best pos- buy new Chinese cars from else available. Indeed, coopera- ous after-care, with free yearly financing options and trade-ins “Whenever people come to sible service, makes WMC a us, with projections showing tion with manufacturers from servicing for the duration of the that make new-car ownership us and see the build quality of must-visit destination for all that we can realistically expect the giant automotive nations financing and five- to seven- so accessible, WMC is the obvi- the Chinese cars we sell, they those looking to buy a new car. to soon double or triple our has helped lead to the current year warranties, and five- to ous choice for the Kingdom’s are never failed to be im- “We pride ourselves on of- sales,” Cheong said. high standards of Chinese build 10-year parts guarantees. car-buyers. pressed. The quality of Chinese fering the personal touch. We The Malaysian – who has quality, he added. “We never tire of highlighting “Just visit one of our four automotive manufacturing is have a team available 24 hours 30-plus years of experience in WMC sells major Chinese to Cambodians the undoubted showrooms and see for your- now undoubtedly on a par with a day to fix any problems, for the – said marques including Haval, benefits of owning a new car, self – you too will be won that of Japan, Europe and the example, while I call customers that having worked in Japan Bestune, Huanghai, ZX Auto, and offer trade-ins on second- over,” Cheong said. 8 October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com

Cavendish bananas: the crop that beat the Covid-19 heat

hile Covid-19 has pandemic. We can even say that, bruised economies and with banana consumption in China crippled trade in some having increased during the Covid-19 parts of the globe, Cam- outbreak, business was even better be- bodianW banana growers are enjoying cause we are involved in fruit exports. brisk business despite choppy times. “We were exporting 250 tonnes One pioneer local industry player, of bananas per week, but during the Tropicam Irrigation Solutions Co coronavirus outbreak we exported Ltd – along with its Chinese partner 300 tonnes per week. Longmate Agriculture Co Ltd – has “I observed that the Chinese been busy exporting Cavendish ba- market was good in 2018. There were nanas to China. only five companies from Cambodia The demand for Cambodian Caven- that exported bananas to China, but dish bananas has risen beyond expec- now there are around 20 registered tations since mid-2018, said Tropicam companies with the cooperation of CEO Lor Ngy. Chinese investors to cultivate the “The company’s operations have crop in the Kingdom and export it to been unaffected by the Covid-19 China,” Ngy said. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia exported 72,182 tonnes of fresh Cavendish bananas during the first quarter of this year, while 157,812 tonnes were exported in 2019. The fruit was mostly exported to China, Vietnam and Japan. There are now around 20 registered companies that grow bananas in Cambodia for export to China. Cambodia’s tropical climate and substantial rainfall makes it perfect water and the weather is not too hot. As well as bananas, Ngy said that they expect to export 100 tonnes for year-round banana cultivation. We import Cavendish banana seeds Tropicam also plans to increase its of mangoes a day. In 2018, Longmate announced that from Australia and plant them in mango exports to China by the end “We are proud to be able to export it was to invest $32 million to grow Cambodia where they grow well. of this year. agricultural crops and contribute to the crop in some 1,000ha in Kampot “It is difficult to grow bananas in “We have some mango plantations the national economy. The govern- province’s Chhouk district. China because some areas are too and have cooperated with the local ment earns income through tax “The reason for choosing Kam- cold and some are too hot, so many community to collect mangoes to collection, and we also provide em- pot province for planting bananas foreign investors invest in banana export to the Chinese market by this ployment to more than 800 farmers, is because of the location – the soil plantations in Cambodia for export month, but we export through the which reduces migration to neigh- Tropicam CEO Lor Ngy. is fertile, there is an abundance of to foreign markets,” Ngy said. Vietnamese border,” he said, adding bouring countries,” Ngy said. October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 9 Urban Village to fly flag for Kingdom as Asia’s ‘Best Condo Development’ award nominee

ward-winning include “Best Breakthrough Urban Village is more than developer Urban Developer”, “Best Co-Working just concrete buildings – what Hub Cambodia Space”, “Best Office Develop- we are building here can’t Co Ltd – which is ment”, “Best Office Architec- be found anywhere else in embarkingA on its third condo tural Design” and “Best Lifestyle Cambodia. Urban Village is project in Phnom Penh – is Developer”. adjacent to the Factory Phnom bent on building quality, com- We want to tell the world Penh, the biggest creative arts fortable homes, and vowing to that Cambodia is an investment hub in Southeast Asia. strengthen its reputation as a hotspot given the country’s Urban Village is not after top-class builder. Founder and open policies, the use of the US profits, instead we have a mis- chairman of Urban Village Ben dollar as a functional currency sion to provide a community Li shares his company’s vision. and there being no restrictions for the second generation of on money transfers to other young Cambodians. At the 5th Annual countries such as Singapore. We are focusing on build- Q PropertyGuru Cambodia ing a community that puts the Property Awards last month, Urban Hub has interests and experiences of the Q Urban Hub won several previously won awards. residents first. Every design in awards. Tell us more about What is driving the company our project is to make sure our this achievement. to remain competitive? residents have the best interna- Urban Village tional standard living experi- has won the most ence, and I think that has made awards at the us stand out in the real estate Property-Guru industry in Cambodia. Property Phase 1 of the Urban Village project in Phnom Penh. Awards. We Can you brief us about Q have won your ongoing project? We are now moving on you overcome the challenges Urban Village is so differ- 13 awards Urban Village Phase 2 is to our third project – Urban of the Covid-19 outbreak? ent from other developments in total our third project in Cambodia. Village Phase 2. Piling is in We managed to hand because all of our projects over the The first one is Urban Loft, progress at the moment, and over our units on time. We are managed by third party course of two years. which has been completed and more than 450 of the 540 piles worked really hard to meet the international consultants This year we won handed over, with owners have been put in place. completion schedule despite from Japan, Singapore and seven awards, and and tenants currently living The handover of Phase 2 is the troubles caused by the the UK. once again we won there happily. Our second set to be in June 2023. Covid-19 pandemic. Some other projects are the country’s “Best project is Urban Village We are focusing on the Our team at all levels not managed by independent Condo Develop- Phase 1, which has been living of a new generation quickly adapted to this new consultants, which can lead ment in Cambo- completed and is being of Cambodians, with more normal and that allowed us to to some building quality dia” and “Best handed over to owners. than 70 per cent of our resi- stay on track with our plans. problems, for example with Condo Develop- As a committed developer, dents Cambodian. fire safety standards and water ment in Phnom we have delivered projects As a developer, how has leaking. This is why third Q Penh” awards. on time even during the How are your projects Urban Hub contributed party independent consultants Q Other awards Urban Village founder and chairman Ben Li (left). Covid-19 period. progressing, and how did to the local property market? are so important. 10 October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 71st China National Day ‘Garment sector ready to produce high-end goods for global market’

he garment industry in Cambodia back in 2002. country’s economy in the in Cambodia should Since then, Q-Port Invest- post-war era. diversify its offerings, ments has created many job However, increasing labour including gradually opportunities for locals, once costs and competition from Tswitching to producing gar- hiring around 2,800 workers. other emerging garment ex- ments of mid-range prices, It currently employs 1,300 porting countries have pushed and venturing into retail, said workers. Q-Port Investments to transfer Q-Port Investments (Cambo- He stressed that the gar- some of its production lines dia) Co Ltd director Lin Zhi ment industry has made a to other countries such as Qiang. significant contribution to the Bangladesh. A subsidiary of Hong Kingdom’s economic growth “Labour costs in Cambodia Kong-based E-Port Enterprise and has been a pillar of the have increased gradually over (HK) Co Ltd, Q-Port the years, rising Investments owns and from $45 to $190 manufactures the E-Port this year. The EU’s garments brand. decision to partially Setting its produc- remove the King- tion base in Cambodia dom’s Everything through Q-Port Invest- But Arms (EBA) trade ments, E-Port Enter- preference status has prise has been mainly also affected garment producing and exporting manufacturers. denim series products to “Adding to the An artist’s impression of the E-Port Center. Europe, the US, Japan huge impacts stirred and Canada. up by the corona- However, he said Q-Port range products. The reason a shopping destination called Q-Port Investments virus pandemic, our Investments is seeing orders being that higher quality the E-Port Center. operates two garment total orders from returning to 80 per cent of last products reward manufac- The retail centre’s main at- factories and one pattern clients had dropped year’s volume and remains turers with a higher profit traction will be its international washing facility, which 40 per cent. confident of his company’s margin. branded garment offerings. serves denim production “Looking at market business volume recovery. “In my opinion, workers in Other spaces will be rented out factories in Cambodia. demand by coun- He also noted that Cam- Cambodia are ready to take to co-working space operators, The monthly garment try or region, our bodia’s garment industry on the challenge of producing food and beverage outlets and production capacity of orders from the US, has been producing lower higher-end products,” Lin said. retailers of cultural item. Q-Port Investments is Europe and Canada to mid-range garments for Lin has also initiated plans With a young population approximately 350,000 had dropped 50 per a long time. for Q-Port Investments to ven- and growing middle class com- pieces. cent, 30 per cent and “It is time the industry ture into retail, by renovating munity, the retail industry in Lin established the 50 per cent, respec- focused on mid-range and transforming part of the Cambodia has much untapped company’s first factory Q-Port Investments (Cambodia) Co Ltd director Lin Zhi Qiang. tively,” Lin said. garments or even higher company’s factory space into potential to tap, Lin said. 71st China National Day October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Hong Kong is ‘the gateway into China’ for Cambodian enterprises

angkok-based into China. There is one single ministers of 10 Asean member Hong Kong Economic and simple advantage - the states and Hong Kong, China – Trade Office (HKETO) “One Country, Two Systems” HKC – met virtually on August executive director Lee principle in Hong Kong. 28 this year for the Fourth BShueng Yuen outlines how the We are part of China and Asean Economic Ministers- major international financial enjoy the natural advantages of HKC Consultations. hub has contributed to the having common language and They agreed to enhance Cambodian economy. culture. Through our free trade economic relations between agreement with China, compa- HKC and Asean, including Please share with us how nies in Hong Kong, including Cambodia, through, among Q successful has HKETO been Cambodian firms if they are es- others, utilisation of the Asean- in accelerating trade and tablished in Hong Kong, enjoy HKC Free Trade Agreement investments to Cambodia over greater market access and easier and the Asean-HKC Investment the years. inroads into the world’s biggest Agreement. Hong Kong Economic and fastest-growing market. and Trade Office (HKETO) in With established internation- In what areas can Hong Q Bangkok was established in al trade networks, world-class Kong contribute to February 2019. It is the newest per cent. In this context, we tween the two jurisdictions and hotels, construction, retail and infrastructure, well-connected Cambodia’s development, for and 13th overseas office repre- are working closely with the helps investors better assess logistics. communication and transport instance in urban planning and senting the Government of the Cambodian Ministry of Com- their potential tax liabilities With a young and energetic networks, Hong Kong is well infrastructure? Hong Kong Special Adminis- merce for the ratification of the from cross-border economic labour force, relatively low placed to act as the Belt and Hong Kong enterprises trative Region. Asean-Hong Kong Free Trade activities. production costs, and a stable Road platform for finance and and professionals contribute Our mission is to facilitate Agreement by Cambodia. and open business environ- professional services. to Cambodia’s development the development of bilateral The agreement would bring How do Hong Kong ment, many Hong Kong inves- through the Belt and Road Q relationship between Hong increased and better market entrepreneurs view tors consider Cambodia an The Covid-19 pandemic Initiative, which offers ample Q Kong and Cambodia, and also access to both sides, create Cambodia’s economy? ideal location for expansion continues to rattle global opportunities for mutual co- three nearby countries, namely new business opportunities According to the Council and the relocation of produc- economies and trade. Did the operation and collaboration. Thailand, Myanmar, and Ban- and further enhance trade and for the Development of Cam- tion capacity. outbreak have any serious bearing Riding on the various unique gladesh, with a view to taking investment flows. bodia, Hong Kong is one of on trade relations between Hong advantages as an international Hong Kong’s cooperation with Separately, Hong Kong and the major foreign investors in How can Cambodia rely Kong and Cambodia? financial centre and the rich Q these countries to new heights Cambodia signed a compre- Cambodia. In 2019, Hong Kong on Hong Kong– a global While the Covid-19 pan- pool of professionals operating and in fresh directions. hensive avoidance of double was the second largest foreign business and financial centre – demic has inevitably caused under international standards In 2019, the bilateral trade taxation agreement in June investor with an investment of as a gateway for trade and practical difficulties for face- and practices, Hong Kong is between Hong Kong and last year, promoting further $913 million. investment? to-face interactions, there is no best placed to be the platform Cambodia reached $1.2 bil- bilateral investment and trade Hong Kong entrepreneurs Hong Kong offers a unique barrier for continued coopera- for providing the whole spec- lion. Comparing with 2016, between both sides. have invested in different advantage for Cambodian com- tion between Hong Kong and trum of professional services, the bilateral trade recorded an The agreement sets out the business sectors in Cambodia, panies as it is the most acces- Cambodia on the trade front. as well as in facilitating capital overall modest increase of 4.3 allocation of taxing rights be- including textiles and clothing, sible, safe and secure gateway For example, the economic flows and project financing. 12 October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 71st China National Day