07/02/2019, 13.06
CAMBODIA - CHINA
Send to a friend

Some 90 per cent of the economy in Sihanoukville is in Chinese hands

The Chinese own 150 of the 156 hotels and guesthouses, 48 ​​casinos out of 62, 41 karaoke, 46 massage parlours, plus 95 per cent of 436 restaurants. With Chinese investments, the crime rate is also up. There are fears for national identity, employment opportunities for locals, cash flow and the environment, as well as social security problems. Experts warn against Beijing’s “invasion”.

Phnom Penh (AsiaNews) – Chinese nationals own more than 90 per cent of all businesses in Sihanoukville, one of Asia’s main gambling hubs.

According to a report by the Preah Sihanouk (Sihanoukville) province, on Cambodia’s south-western coast, Chinese interests own hotels, casinos, restaurants, and massage parlours.

Provincial police chief Chuon Narin said that the province and its capital are going through a real estate boom thanks to a constant flow of Chinese capital into hotels, casinos, and thousands of flats.

China’s growing presence and investments in the country, particularly in the province, have however contributed to crime and instability, the provincial governor, Yun Min, wrote in a letter to the central government in January 2018.

According to Narin, there are currently 156 hotels and guesthouses in Preah Sihanouk province, of which 150 are Chinese-owned. Out of 62 casinos, the Chinese have invested in 48.

Pacific Asia Travel Association president Thourn Sinan said that investors from a single country should not have more than half of a market.

In his view, investment growth and the influx of Chinese in Preah Sihanouk province will bring challenges to the Kingdom such as national identity loss, employment opportunities for locals, cash flow and the environment, as well as social security problems.

TAGs
Send to a friend
Printable version
CLOSE X
See also
Too many land disputes in Preah Sihanouk, says Cambodian environment minister
25/11/2022 16:09
Casino boom in Cambodia: + 53 per cent in 2018 only
02/01/2019 14:45
Manila will repatriate 40,000 Chinese casino workers
29/09/2022 10:37
Casino tycoon arrested as human trafficking casts shadow on the 'new silk road'
19/08/2022 13:38
Governor warns that Chinese investments bring organised crime and instability
27/01/2018 01:28


Newsletter

Subscribe to Asia News updates or change your preferences

Subscribe now
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”