6th Annual Gathering of Hunan Entrepreneurs in Cambodia Celebrates Unity and China-Cambodia Friendship

Phnom Penh (AseanTop) - The 6th Annual New Year Gathering of Hunan Natives in Cambodia was successfully held in Phnom Penh on January 25,2026. Hosted by the Hunan Business Association of Cambodia, the event brought together more than 2,500 Hunan businessmen and their families to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

The gathering was initiated by LIU JIANHUA, Executive Chairman of the Association. Distinguished guests included Dr. LY THUCH, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA); Neak Oknha LY KUNTHAI, President of the Cambodia Confederation of Investor Association (CCIA) and YE WEI, President of the Hunan Business Association of Cambodia.

In his welcome address, LIU JIANHUA highlighted the resilience of the Hunan people working in Cambodia. He remarked that they uphold the Hunan spirit of "enduring hardship, remaining tenacious, and persevering." He emphasized that the Association serves not only as a chamber of commerce but also as a "home" and "refueling station," committed to resource sharing and ensuring every striver is supported.

LIU noted that the deepening friendship between China and Cambodia offers broad development opportunities. He extended an open invitation to all Hunan—from business leaders to rising stars—to join the chamber, calling for unity to weather storms and create a prosperous future together.

Association President YE WEI greeted the attendees, praising their pioneering spirit. He outlined the Chamber’s four-fold mission: to be a "home" for compatriots, a "bridge" connecting Hunan to Cambodia, a "platform" for cooperation, and a "flag" representing the diligent image of Hunan people. He encouraged members to prioritize safety, abide by local laws, and integrate into the local community while maintaining their unique spirit.

Neak Oknha LY Kunthai commended the Hunan community for their contributions to Cambodia's economic development. He described the Association as a vital link in trade and culture between the two nations. He emphasized that Cambodia is in a period of rapid development and welcomes and supports trustworthy and capable partners from Hunan. He believes that the success of the Hunan people is part of Cambodia's prosperity, and their unity and cooperation will create a greater win-win situation for our common cause.

LY KUNTHAI concluded by saying that he looks forward to further deepening cooperation with Hunan overseas Chinese businessmen in the future, jointly contributing to Cambodia's economic and social development, and further consolidating the traditional friendship and strategic partnership between China and Cambodia.

Dr. LY THUCH delivered a high tribute to the century-long "ironclad friendship" between China and Cambodia. Using the metaphor of the Mekong River, he described the relationship as long-standing and ever-flowing, noting that the Belt and Road Initiative has injected new impetus into this cooperation.

His excellency thanked the Hunan community for their role in promoting economic and cultural exchanges. He warmly appealed to Chinese investors to "treat Cambodia as their second home," reiterating that under the leadership of Senate President HUN SEN and Prime Minister HUN MANET, Cambodia remains peaceful, stable, and open for business.

The event concluded with Dr. LY THUCH and Neak Oknha LY KUNTHAI presenting plaques of appreciation to the event's sponsors. In a closing ceremony, initiator LIU JIANHUA passed the Chamber of Commerce flag to the next organizer, symbolizing the continuity of the community's spirit.