Cambodia, East Timor to boost tourism, trade prospects

Cambodia and East Timor jointly held a business forum on tourism and trade for peace and sustainable development.

José Manuel Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of East Timor, and Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, chaired the forum at the Sofitel, Phnom Penh, on Friday.

Khon said that there was remarkable progress in the cooperation between Cambodia and East Timor in all fields. He said the President’s state visit would push the cooperation to the next level.

“Two documents were signed between the two countries. They are an agreement on air transport services and a memorandum of understanding on the rice trade. These steps will open up more opportunities for boosting trade between the two countries, people-to-people connections, including tourism,” Khon said.

In addition, bilateral cooperation, exchanges and friendship would be further strengthened between the countries. In this regard, the Royal Government of Cambodia reaffirmed its full support for East Timor’s ASEAN membership.

The forum, attended by private sector and public institutions, focused on exploring and exchanging views for business and investment opportunities between the two countries.

The forum also covered many other areas of cooperation and joint project development under the theme: Tourism and Trade for Peace and Sustainable Development.

Khon added that the ASEAN Member States would focus on supporting small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector and promoting employment for local communities.

The ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Marketing Section has endorsed the new ASEAN Tourism logo and termed the region as the “destination for every dream”.

On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, the National Committee of CAMSOC and the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, Khon stated that he looked forward to welcoming the sports delegation of East Timor to participate in the upcoming 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.

“We are confident that the President’s state visit will definitely contribute to strengthening and expanding cooperation in all fields. In the field of tourism, we are looking forward to welcoming direct flights in the future,” he said.

Ramos-Horta said that East Timor made many alliances with European and Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia. He said that the countries could create a positive environment. Although East Timor has experienced political violence, it has created a democratic and economic zone, the president pointed out.

Source: Khmer Times