Cambodia not base for kidnapping, cybercrime, human trafficking: PM

IANS February 27, 2025 112 views

Cambodia is actively repositioning itself as a safe and attractive international tourism destination under Prime Minister Hun Manet's leadership. The country aims to welcome between 7.2 and 7.5 million foreign visitors in 2025, leveraging its rich cultural heritage and pristine coastline. Hun Manet directly addressed global concerns about safety, emphasizing strict government actions against potential criminal activities. With four UNESCO world heritage sites and growing tourism infrastructure, Cambodia is strategically promoting its positive global image.

"We acknowledge that there are some problems, but we have taken tough action against them subsequently" - Hun Manet, Prime Minister
Phnom Penh, Feb 27: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Thursday called for more international tourists, saying that the Southeast Asian country was not a base for kidnapping, online crime, or human trafficking.

Key Points

1

Cambodia targets 7.5M tourists in 2025

2

Four UNESCO world heritage sites attract global travelers

3

Tourism crucial economic pillar

4

Government combats criminal misconceptions

In a speech during the closing ceremony of the Ministry of Tourism's annual conference in Phnom Penh, Hun Manet said the government was very cautious and had taken strict action against anyone who attempted to use Cambodia as a base for their underworld activities.

"We acknowledge that there are some problems, but we have taken tough action against them subsequently," he said.

Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy in addition to garment export, agriculture, and real estate and construction.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak said the country received 6.7 million foreign visitors in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 23 per cent.

"For 2025, we hope the number of international tourists to Cambodia will increase to between 7.2 million and 7.5 million," he said, Xinhua news agency reported.

Cambodia has four UNESCO-listed world heritage sites, namely the Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Siem Reap province, the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk in central Kampong Thom province, and the Temple of Preah Vihear and the Koh Ker archaeological site in northwest Preah Vihear province.

Besides, it has a pristine coastline stretching about 450 km in four southwest provinces of Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep, and Koh Kong.

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