A team of experts from the China Development Institute (CDI) think tank in Shenzhen city will begin research into the development of a renewable solar and wind energy farm in Preah Sihanouk and Koh Kong provinces later this month, according to a May 6 social media post by Koh Kong deputy governor Ouk Pheaktra.

Pheaktra led a provincial delegation to meet the CDI in Shenzhen.

“The think tank’s experts have carefully examined the development of Preah Sihanouk province and the other coastal provinces of Cambodia,” said the post.

It quoted CDI vice-president Qu Jian as saying that the think tank enjoyed close relations with the Cambodian government. The development of Preah Sihanouk province was studied by the CDI, in the mode of Shenzhen city. It noted that further coastal development is being planned.

“[Qu] said that he had visited Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kep and Koh Kong provinces, and used a drone to take pictures of Koh Kong. Through his study of these coastal areas, he saw the potential for Koh Kong’s development, as it seemed an ideal location for a deep-water port, a free trade zone and a renewable energy station, all sectors that would stimulate the Kingdom’s economy,” it added.

“A CDI team will journey to Preah Sihanouk and Koh Kong provinces later this month. Their visit will be focused mainly on the construction of a renewable energy project which will incorporate both solar and wind technology,” added Pheaktra.

He supported the mission, noting that the CDI was established in the 1980s and approved by the Chinese state council.

“The CDI is highly capable at formulating economic and trade policies, city master plans, special economic zones (SEZ)and free trade zones. It is a key research and consultant institution that is recognised by the Chinese government,” he added.

On May 7, he led a delegation to study the Yantian Port Group, part of an SEZ and free port in Shenzhen.

He said Yantian is the “No 1” deep-sea port in China and the third busiest in the world. Established in 1994, it processes a huge amount of foreign and domestic cargo every day.