Kampot to become a model province for local goods

In a meeting with Kampot authorities to prepare this year’s Sea Festival, Tourism Minister Thong Khon asked that vendors in the province display more locally-made products, according to a statement from the ministry.

Minister Khon said this will help promote local goods, increase producers’ incomes and reduce imports.

With the province set to host the Sea Festival this year, an event that attracts a substantial number of local and international tourists, making Kampot into a model province for the sale of local goods will significantly boost the ‘made-in-Cambodia’ brand.

“We have to come together to transform Kampot into a model province when it comes to the quality of products and services, as well as a province where counterfeit products have no place,” Mr Khon said.

“We will prepare an exhibition of high-quality local products which, if possible, will include clothes produced locally that will be sold to local and international tourists during the Sea Festival,” he said.

Mr Khon said the province has great potential in the tourism sector, adding that it is a heritage city and an important ecotourism destination.

Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, welcomed the minister’s call.

“With the number of foreign tourists increasing every year, we must promote local products, which will also allow us to reduce imports,” Ms Sivlin said.

During his meeting with local authorities, Mr Khon urged developers to finish the construction of Kampot’s seaport before the festival.

Soy Sinol, director of Kampot’s tourism department, said construction is developing as planned.

“About 25 percent of the port has been completed and we think that it will be finished on time,” Mr Sinol said. “Once completed, tourists will be available to arrive at the province by ship.”

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