Chinese investors propose US$5 million waste-processing project in Kampong Speu

Chinese investor representatives met Kampong Speu Governor Cheam Chan Sophoan on March 26 to discuss a proposed US$5 million first phase to manage and process industrial and livestock waste. An investor representative identified as Mr Lee said he saw potential in the province’s agriculture, industry and tourism sectors. The project aims to reduce environmental impacts and odour, with a longer-term plan to make fertiliser for export to Asian markets, generate revenue and create jobs. The investors said that, if the first phase succeeded, they would consider a second-phase expansion, mentioning additional investment of up to US$50 million. This remains conditional. The governor encouraged the proposal and said the province had more than 1,600 factories and enterprises and over 300,000 workers, nearly 50,000 hectares of mangoes, more than 20,000 hectares of sugar cane, over 500 livestock farms and 55 communities raising chickens, ducks, pigs and cattle. The governor said those resources could supply material for processing and that the provincial administration was ready to help resolve procedural obstacles. By Pai Sokhim.