Wuxi forges closer links with Cambodia

A map shows the location of the airport in Sihanoukville, Cambodia and its distance from the port, economic zone and downtown area. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wuxi has long had close ties with the southern Cambodian city. They became sister cities in 2009. For years, many Wuxi-based enterprises have taken advantage of the opportunities presented at the SSEZ. With the region's low labor costs and trade advantages, these companies have not only experienced expansion and profit growth, but also created many job opportunities as well as contributing to the regional economy.

Wuxi's pillar enterprise Hongdou Group is one of the many Chinese and Cambodian firms that took part in the investment and construction of the state-level overseas economic zone since 2008, helping it become a model area of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

By the end of 2016, the city has carried out 271 investment projects in countries alongside the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road with a contracted investment volume of $1.52 billion.

Cambodia's Sihanoukville features tremendous natural scenery and has become a popular tourist spot in Southeast Asia. [Photo / wxrb.com]