The government of China has announced it will open a consulate and an information center for Chinese nationals in Sihanoukville, a coastal city in southwestern Cambodia. The goal behind the plan is to support security and law enforcement and improve awareness of Cambodian law among Chinese nationals.
According to Inside Asian Gaming, Preah Sihanouk Province revealed this month that more than 90 percent of all businesses in Sihanoukville are Chinese-owned. That includes 150 of 156 hotels, 48 of 62 casinos, 41 karaoke bars, 46 massage parlors and 95 percent of 436 restaurants.
The influx of Chinese nationals, which followed the casino boom in Sihanoukville, has been accompanied by a rise in crime and what IAG called “serious safety violations at some new developments.”
The Phnom Penh Post reported that provincial officials have asked China for help and Chinese ambassador Wang Wentian agreed. “The aim is to help (the Chinese) learn about Cambodia’s culture and laws,” said spokesman Cheang Phearum. “When a consulate is established in Preah Sihanouk Province, it means there will always be someone there to provide accurate information and statistics about Chinese nationals living in the province. A consulate will also make it easier for Chinese investors and tourists when issues arise in terms of security or other pressing concerns.”
Sok Sokhom of the Cambodian National Research Organization director told the Post, “By working closely together, it shows a concerted effort to resolve the issues that are bound to arise in the target areas. When a consulate is established, joint mechanisms will be devised to achieve common goals and solve issues.”
In June, five Chinese nationals were charged after a hotel under construction in Sihanoukville collapsed, killing 28 workers. And in March, a casino was ordered to close due to health and safety violations including pumping raw sewage into the ocean.
