(Phnom Penh): As part of a series of visit to Cambodia’s northeastern provinces, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Cambodia, Dr. Santo Darmosumarto, visited Ratanakiri Province on 30 September-1 October 2025. Previously, Ambassador Santo had visited Kratie and Mondulkiri last month, and Steung Treng a day before arriving in Banlung.

The visit aimed at gaining strategic insights on strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in the fields of trade, investment, and people-to-people interactions. “Indonesia and Cambodia are connected by our close historical and cultural ties. However, in terms of economic cooperation, we have yet to maximize on our potentials,” said Ambassador Santo during the meeting with Vice Governor of Ratanakiri Province, H.E. Khan Chamnan.

Having positively surveyed the availability of Indonesian products in Ratanakiri markets, Ambassador Santo is convinced that quality Indonesian brands would become more favorable to the local consumers. “I believe that this provides an opportunity for greater economic interactions; not only trade, but also services and investment”, added the Ambassador.

Vice Governor Khan Chamnan welcomed the Indonesian Embassy’s keenness in exploring cooperation potentials with Ratanakiri and other provinces in Cambodia’s northwestern area. The Vice Governor briefed on the Cambodian Government’s decision to launch the Special Program to Promote Investment in the Four Northeastern Provinces (SPIN). He highlighted potential partnerships in sectors such as agriculture and eco-tourism.

While in Ratanakiri, Ambassador Santo visited one of Cambodia’s largest banana plantations, owned by Thaco Agri. “With a focus on exports, Thaco Agri’s business model should be of interest to foreigners interested in investing in Cambodia’s lucrative agribusiness potential. Our hope is that Indonesian businesses could learn from such business models”, elaborated Ambassador Santo, during his discussion with the company’s leadership.

The Ambassador also took time to visit the Airavata Elephant Foundation, a local conservation project that shelters endangered Cambodian elephants. As a conservation site, Airavata also welcomes visitors as well as private donations. It is a good example of an eco-tourism destination that teaches environmental protection and sustainable development to the local people as well as foreign tourists.
=FRESH NEWS