AKP Phnom Penh, July 18, 2026 --

Three leading Chinese companies have expressed plans to expand their investments in Cambodia's technology, telecommunications and infrastructure sectors during separate meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet on the afternoon of July 17.

The meetings took place on the sidelines of the Prime Minister's working visit to China and his participation in the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), held from July 15 to 17.

During a meeting with Mr. Xiao Ming, representative of ZTE Corporation, the company briefed the Prime Minister on its global operations as a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment and information and communications technology (ICT) solutions.

Operating in more than 160 countries, ZTE is currently the world's second-largest supplier of 5G technology. The company noted that it has invested in Cambodia for more than two decades and now plans to further expand its investment by supporting the development of the Cambodia Sovereign AI Foundation Model as well as the country's National AI Infrastructure and Ecosystem.

ZTE also highlighted its contributions to Cambodia's digital development through rural telecommunications connectivity, fibre-optic network deployment, and fixed and mobile broadband services.

In response, Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed the company's expansion plans and commended its contribution to the development of Cambodia's telecommunications sector. He reaffirmed the Royal Government's commitment to promoting digital transformation and developing ICT human resources capable of innovation and technological advancement.

The Prime Minister also met with Mr. Ye Weidong, President of Shanghai Construction Group Co., Ltd. (SCG), which has been operating in Cambodia since 2004.

SCG has participated in the construction of major infrastructure projects, including roads, hydropower dams, bridges and other public infrastructure, and is currently implementing two additional national road projects in the Kingdom. The company expressed its intention to further expand its investment in Cambodia's infrastructure development.

Samdech Thipadei welcomed the company's continued confidence in Cambodia and reiterated that infrastructure remains a priority sector for the Royal Government. He also encouraged SCG to contribute to the training of Cambodian engineers and skilled workers while maintaining close cooperation with relevant government institutions.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jason Jie Zheng, Chairman and Board Member of Shanghai Spacesail Technologies Co., Ltd., informed the Prime Minister of the company's interest in investing in satellite-based internet and communications services in Cambodia.

The company operates the Qianfan ("Thousand Sails") Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Broadband Constellation, one of China's major commercial space initiatives aimed at providing high-speed global internet connectivity.

Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed the company's interest, noting that expanding high-quality internet and communications services is one of Cambodia's key priorities. He said the Royal Government is strengthening telecommunications infrastructure while preparing a legal framework to regulate satellite internet and communications services.

Once the regulatory framework is in place, he added, the government will prioritise extending satellite connectivity to remote rural communities while ensuring the services are used responsibly.

The Prime Minister encouraged Shanghai Spacesail Technologies to continue detailed discussions with Cambodia's Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications to explore practical investment opportunities.

Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet (R) and Mr. Xiao Ming, representative of ZTE Corporation

Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet (R) and Mr. Ye Weidong, President of Shanghai Construction Group Co., Ltd. (SCG)

Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet (R) and Dr. Jason Jie Zheng, Chairman and Board Member of Shanghai Spacesail Technologies Co., Ltd.

By C. Nika