Bavet, Cambodia – May 21, 2025 — Zhang Chaochao, Party Secretary of Shijiazhuang and Member of the Hebei Provincial Standing Committee, led a delegation to the Manhattan Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Cambodia . The visit aimed to deepen economic ties under the Belt and Road Initiative and help Chinese companies expand their presence in Southeast Asia.
During the trip, the delegation assessed the development of the SEZ and met with Shijiazhuang-based enterprises operating within the zone. The focus was not only on operational performance, but also on fostering stronger integration between Chinese and Cambodian supply chains and aligning development strategies across borders.
Mr. Zhang and his team were welcomed by Mr. Clement Yang, Founder of Manhattan SEZ. Cambodian senior official Mr. Lee Du, Chairman of the Cambodian People’s Party in Bavet, and Mr. Liu Guixi, Chairman of Hongray Group, also joined the reception, highlighting the close and long-standing ties between the two countries.
At a roundtable session, both sides discussed key topics such as industrial collaboration, cultural integration, and long-term investment strategy. Mr. Yang shared the MSEZ’s master plan and pointed out that Manhattan SEZ is the only one in Cambodia that has reserved over 1,500 acres for community infrastructure—including schools, hospitals, and affordable housing for workers—building a truly modern, livable industrial park.
Delegates expressed strong support for a “go global together” approach and encouraged further enhancements to the zone’s infrastructure and policy alignment. They emphasized Shijiazhuang’s strength in advanced manufacturing and its potential to set a benchmark for Chinese brands operating overseas. Manhattan SEZ, they noted, has become a key hub for reaching ASEAN markets.
While visiting the Hongray Group factory, the delegation attended a cultural performance organized by employees. Through patriotic songs and presentations, workers demonstrated their commitment and unity, blending cultural identity with corporate values. Delegates praised the company’s efforts to embed cultural heritage into its operations, noting that “when workers have belief, businesses gain momentum.”
The visit reinforced China’s commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative and spotlighted the growing role of Shijiazhuang enterprises in Cambodia. Looking ahead, the Manhattan SEZ will continue to serve as a platform for deepening China-Cambodia cooperation and helping Chinese companies expand further into the ASEAN region—through both solid infrastructure and strong people-to-people ties.
