China's legislators visit Cambodia to boost economic ties

[XINHUA]

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 21 -- A delegation of Chinese National People's Congress is visiting Cambodia to strengthen and expand Sino-Cambodia economic cooperation.

The delegation was led by Han Yuqun, vice-chairman of financial and economic committee of the Chinese National People's Congress.

During a meeting with Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Keat Chhon, also minister of economy and finance, on Monday, Han said the visit was to promote closer economic ties between the two countries.

He also promised to encourage more Chinese investors to invest in Cambodia in order to help develop the country and to cement China-Cambodia traditional friendship and cooperation.

Meanwhile, Keat Chhon thanked China and the Chinese people for their financial and technical assistance to Cambodia, saying that China's help has enabled Cambodia to strengthen its sovereignty.

"China, currently, not only plays a key role in helping Cambodia in economic and social development, but also plays an active role in assisting other countries in the region and the world," he said.

The minister said since 1992 to September 2011, the government of China has provided a total of 2.09 billion U.S. dollars to Cambodia. Of the amount, 125 million U.S. dollars is grants, 152 million U.S. dollars is non-interest rate loans, and the rest is concessional loans.

The delegation arrived here on Sunday for a five-day visit. They are scheduled to meet with the President of Cambodia's National Assembly Heng Samrin on Tuesday.