While leading a Ministry of Tourism delegation to the 9th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo in Dunhuang, Gansu province, China, Tourism Minister Huot Hak received Cheng Liang, Party Secretary of Dunhuang Academy (comparable to Cambodia’s APSARA Authority), for a courtesy meeting and working discussions on November 2, 2026.
The meeting focused on establishing and strengthening tourism cooperation between Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism and Dunhuang Academy, promoting Cambodia’s tourism potential and strengthening tourism cooperation with international partners.
At the start of the discussions, Cheng Liang shared the academy’s experience and achievements in researching, conserving and promoting cultural heritage, particularly China’s renowned World Heritage site, the Mogao Grottoes. He also expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with Cambodia through exchanges of knowledge, experience and expertise in heritage conservation and cultural tourism development.
The two sides discussed the possibility of strengthening cooperation between Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism and Dunhuang Academy by exploring the feasibility of signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Areas of focus included sharing knowledge and experience in cultural heritage management and conservation, using heritage for sustainable tourism development, exchanging experience in developing cultural tourism products, developing night-time tourism in Siem Reap province through the Silk Road artistic performances “Along the Silk Road” and “Tales of the Silk Road”, and arranging study exchanges between officials of the two institutions.
The minister thanked Cheng Liang and expressed appreciation for his interest in strengthening cooperation with Cambodia. He highlighted Cambodia’s rich tourism and cultural heritage potential, particularly the Angkor area, which could be developed into attractive cultural tourism products. He also invited Cheng Liang to lead a delegation to Cambodia at a suitable time in the future. By Srey Pi
