Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 9 – President of the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific Tan Sri Michael Yeoh praised and admired the leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen during his tenure as Cambodian Prime Minister, attributing it to Cambodia's rapid growth. He expressed a desire for Samdech Techo to share his leadership experience with leaders of ASEAN member countries.
Cambodian President of the Senate, Samdech Techo Hun Sen received a courtesy call by President of the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific Tan Sri Michael Yeoh on Tuesday morning (Apr. 9) at the Senate.
Tan Sri Michael Yeoh thanked Samdech Techo for allowing him to pay a courtesy call during his visit to Cambodia and praised his leadership. He noted Cambodia's tremendous development under Samdech Techo's leadership and hoped for him to share his leadership experience with other ASEAN leaders.
Tan Sri Michael Yeoh added that Samdech Techo's contribution to stability, security, and socio-economic growth in Cambodia, transforming it into a fast-growing country in the region. He also expressed interest in Prime Minister Hun Manet, acknowledging his long-term vision and leadership expertise, and hoped he would continue Samdech Techo's mission to lead Cambodia into a new era.
KSI President Tan Sri Michael Yeoh also informed Samdech Techo about his plans to attract numerous entrepreneurs and investors focusing on the financial sector, agriculture, and biomass-derived energy to Cambodia. Additionally, he discussed the organisation of a major technology and business forum scheduled for November 2024, with the aim of having Cambodia host the event. These two events include:
1. The Global Chinese Economy and Technology Summit 2024
2. The ASIA Economic Entrepreneurship Summit, which aims to bring investors from various parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, China, and ASEAN countries, particularly Cambodia, to explore investment opportunities.
For his part, Samdech Techo Hun Sen warmly welcomed the visit of Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and the delegation to Cambodia.
Samdech Techo also expressed sincere gratitude to Tan Sri Michael Yeoh for his unwavering support for Cambodia, particularly during Cambodia's hosting of ASEAN in 2022. Samdech Techo also extended his appreciation to the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific for honouring the ASEAN Leader with the Lifetime Achievement Award for holding the ASEAN chairmanship three times. He further expressed his delight in collaborating with Tan Sri Michael Yeoh for over a decade.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed gratitude for organising the two upcoming summits and suggested that the programs be attended by the prime minister.
On the occasion, Samdech Techo added that consideration should be given to collaborating with partners in Cambodia and focusing on trade-oriented ASEAN-China relations. He considered China as a significant market for ASEAN, given its large population, surpassing the combined populations of the United States and Europe. Samdech Techo underlined China's substantial demand, suggesting a closer examination of this market and exploration of distant markets.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen compared Cambodia's trade dynamics during the COVID19 pandemic to the pre-pandemic period, noting a significant increase in trade with ASEAN countries, including Viet Nam, Thailand, Malaysia, and China. Samdech Techo recommended focusing on regional markets, highlighting existing agreements including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, as well as enhancing collaboration between each ASEAN member and other countries.
Samdech Techo underscored that ASEAN countries need not worry about food shortages, as some are rice producers while others are food importers, allowing for mutual support and integration of trade and investment efforts.
Samdech Techo also recommended collaboration between the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and AVI Institute of Cambodia to promote regional market relations, especially between ASEAN and China.
Lastly, Samdech Techo Hun Sen extended best wishes to Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and his delegation for a fruitful visit to Cambodia, and he expressed hopes for the success of the two summits scheduled for November.
=FRESH NEWS
