by Xue Lei, Nguon Sovan
PHNOM PENH, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is crucial to deepen cooperation among participating countries, Cambodian Economy and Finance Minister Aun Pornmoniroth has said.
Aun Pornmoniroth made the remarks in a recent interview with Xinhua. He said the forum, which will be held from May 14 to 15 in Beijing, presents a wonderful opportunity to solidify arrangements under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Proposed by China in 2013, the Belt and Road initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of Silk Road.
Aun Pornmoniroth said the international meeting will also signify the high level of importance placed on cooperation among Belt and Road countries that have a shared vision of development collaboration and regional connectivity.
"This forum will be a strategic measure to boost the world economy and an important platform to deepen international cooperation and China's innovative practice to implement the concept of win-win cooperation," he added.
According to the minister, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen will lead a high level delegation to attend the forum.
"We wish to discuss the possibility of investment in several major infrastructure projects, like expressways, railways, bridges and airports," Aun Pornmoniroth said.
He said the Southeast Asian nation wants to strengthen collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative to increase Chinese investment in Cambodia in key sectors such as agriculture, logistics, industry, human resource development and tourism.
Aun Pornmoniroth said Cambodia has high expectations for the upcoming forum, saying that it will further deepen economic ties between Cambodia and China, and strengthen relations between Cambodia and all participating countries.
Thus far, 28 heads of state and government leaders have confirmed their attendance at the forum. Other delegates include officials, entrepreneurs, financiers and reporters from 110 countries, and representatives of 61 international organizations.
