Cambodia and India have reached two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for two Quick Impact Projects (QIP) on “Developing Mobile Application to Promote Tourism & Ecotourism Communities” and “Enhancing Ecotourism Activities in Phat Sanday Ecotourism Community in Kampong Thom Province”.
The MoUs were signed at the Ministry of Tourism on April 1 between H.E. Thong Rathasak, Director General of International Cooperation & Tourism Development at the Ministry of Tourism and H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India to Cambodia, under the witness of H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, Royal Government of Cambodia.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, thanked the Government of India and Embassy of India for considering the projects and signing the MoUs within a short period.
H.E. Minister elaborated on the steps announced by the Cambodian Government towards easing the arrival of tourists in Cambodia. In this context, he requested the Indian Ambassador for increased arrival of Indian tourists.
For commencement of chartered flights operation between two countries, the Ministry of Tourism would provide necessary assistance, said H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, seeking the Indian government’s assistance in trail of Civilisation. He stressed that these projects would lead to increased tourist footfall and thereby immensely benefit tourism in Cambodia.
For her part, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade said that these projects are a part of the Government of India’s development initiatives and empower Cambodian people life. They lead to enhancement of the overall bilateral relationship and good will between the people of India and Cambodia.
H.E. Ambassador stated that both countries need to work towards achieving direct air connectivity. The chartered flights may cover Buddhist tourist sites in India and Siem Reap in Cambodia. Related to trail of Civilisation, she requested H.E. Minister to share some details on it, so that both countries can work together.
The Embassy is working also towards the third QIP. This year, the focus of QIPs will be on health, tourism development, education-digital education with particular focus on women literacy, she pointed out.
According to a press release of the Embassy of India, the project on Phat Sanday Ecotourism will strengthen the survival of Phat Sanday ecotourism sub-committee. This would also encourage local community not to involve anymore in illegal activities like fishing in prohibited areas and deforestation. The project will also enhance the participation of women.
The project on Developing Mobile application, aims to develop a dynamic Mobile App, which would be a common platform to promote tourism and ecotourism communities throughout the country, the source added.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press