Singapore to offer experts to Cambodian tourism master plan

Asian Economic News, May 14, 2001

PHNOM PENH, May 8 Kyodo

Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong told Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen on Tuesday he will send experts to assist in producing a tourism master plan for Cambodia.

Pen Thol, a government spokesman quoted Goh as telling Hun Sen that Cambodia cannot compete in the heavy industrial sector, but tourism can be developed successfully.

Goh also advised that Cambodia's infrastructure must be expanded, Pen Thol said.

The Angkor Wat temples complex could be one of the world's finest tourist attractions, but the number of foreign tourists actually visiting Cambodia number only about 500,000 a year, far less than in Singapore where millions come just to shop.

Goh arrived in Phnom Penh on Tuesday from the northern province of Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat, where he flew directly from Singapore on Sunday.

Shortly after arriving in the capital, Goh, who is accompanied by Foreign Minister S. Jayakumar, met King Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Monineath for lunch at the palace.

Goh last visited Cambodia in 1996.

During his three days in Cambodia's capital, Goh also will meet with Prince Norodom Ranariddh, president of the National Assembly, and Chea Sim, president of the Senate.

Before his departure Thursday, Goh plans to play golf with Hun Sen and meet Singaporeans living in Cambodia.

Singaporeans own some of the largest direct foreign investments in Cambodia.