A bird's-eye view of Cambodia Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Cambodia Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, or SSEZ, has effectively pioneered a path to mutual benefit in collaboration with local villagers.
Strategically positioned in Preah Sihanouk province, or Sihanoukville, SSEZ is a joint development project carried out by a slew of Chinese enterprises, led by HOdo Group, a textile and garment maker based in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, and Cambodian enterprises.
Dani works within SSEZ. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
As a native of Betrang township, which is adjacent to the SSEZ, Dani has witnessed firsthand its development. Through the joint efforts of Chinese and Cambodian enterprises, the SSEZ started from scratch and, after 16 years of hard work, has built an international industrial park on barren land.
The industrial park is home to 202 enterprises and institutions, creating 32,000 jobs. It has not only become an excellent platform for cross-border corporate investment but also a strong engine for industrial and economic development in Sihanoukville province.
Driven by SSEZ's development, Betrang has embarked on a new path to industrial prosperity. Many local villagers, like Dani, have found a job right at their doorstep, improving their family's livelihoods. Today, Betrang is crisscrossed with cement roads, colorful brick and multi-story buildings line the streets, and bustling shops thrive with business.
Betrang Primary and Secondary Friendship School of Preah Sihanouk – Jiangsu. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
With the support of governments and institutions from Wuxi and Jiangsu, the Betrang Primary and Secondary Friendship School of Preah Sihanouk - Jiangsu, previously known as the Betrang Primary and Secondary School, has also been transformed into a beautiful school with advanced teaching facilities and amenities. The companies in SSEZ have also extended a helping hand to the school multiple times, assisting impoverished students in completing their education and donating capital and materials to improve the teaching conditions of the school.
In the future, as industry, urban development, and education continue to integrate further, the SSEZ will undoubtedly lead more individuals from neighboring communities to a higher quality of life.
