The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau and the Cambodian Consulate General in Hong Kong jointly held a webinar today to explore partnership between both places on trade, investment, professional services and technology.

About 350 people signed up for the Hong Kong - Cambodia Partnership webinar.

Speaking at the event, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau highlighted the longstanding and close relationship between the two places, adding that Cambodia has been fertile ground for Hong Kong enterprises and investors.

He said Cambodia offers ample opportunities to foreign investors and Hong Kong could further strengthen its ties with the country.

Mr Yau also urged more Hong Kong enterprises to explore the potential of the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) and to use it as a landing spot in expanding to Cambodia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at large.

The SSEZ is one of the overseas Economic & Trade Co-operation Zones recognised by the Ministry of Commerce and is an important deliverable of the Belt & Road Initiative.

Interested Hong Kong enterprises may apply for support from the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading & Domestic Sales overseen by the bureau for expansion into the SSEZ or other places in Cambodia, Mr Yau noted.

The commerce chief also encouraged Cambodian businesses to leverage Hong Kong’s position as a gateway to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the Belt & Road Initiative and the Greater Bay Area.

Enterprises may also make use of the Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement to enter the vast and growing Mainland consumer market through Hong Kong, he added.