By MoT
Phnom Penh. “University’s Annual Study Tour” into a New & Value-Added Tourism Product to Promote People-to-People and Student Exchanges Between Cambodia and Japan, Boost Local Tourism Destination Promotion, and Directly Develop Tourism and Economy Within Communities.
H.E. HUOT Hak, Minister of Tourism, granted a courtesy call to Dr. Hirokazu Kashitani, Project Leader and representative of Hiroshima University of Economics, Japan, along with his delegation, at the Ministry of Tourism. The meeting was held to report on past support activities in Cambodia’s tourism and education sectors and to discuss strengthening and expanding cooperation in tourism.
During this fruitful meeting, the Minister praised, highly valued, and expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Hirokazu Kashitani and the delegation from Hiroshima University of Economics for their continued support and for strengthening cooperation with Cambodia through the Cambodia International Exchange Program and various community development initiatives in provinces such as Baray District in Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Battambang, and Prey Veng. These efforts have significantly contributed to enhancing people-to-people exchanges, fostering mutual understanding between the youth and students of both nations, supporting human resource development in Cambodia, and raising awareness of health and sanitation.
Concurrently, the Minister highlighted Cambodia’s current political, economic, and social landscape, as well as its tourism sector development. He reaffirmed that Cambodia remains a safe and warm, welcoming destination. Currently, Cambodia is implementing the “Visit Cambodia in the Green Season” campaign in collaboration with airlines, travel agencies, content creators, and international media to promote Cambodia’s tourism potential and attract more international tourists, including from the Japanese market.
In response, Dr. Hirokazu Kashitani and his delegation expressed their gratitude for the Ministry of Tourism’s ongoing support and committed to further strengthening cooperation with Cambodia. This will be achieved through student exchanges, the development of educational programs, and the sharing of Japan’s experiences particularly the post-WWII reconstruction of Hiroshima City to foster the spirit of peace, resilience, and youth participation in social development.
In return, the Minister requested that Hiroshima University of Economics prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Tourism to broaden and deepen cooperation. He also suggested exploring the possibility of organizing study exchange programs, short courses, and study tours for Ministry officials and Cambodian students to promote the exchange of knowledge, experience, and capacity building in human resources for the tourism sector. Furthermore, the Minister requested that the university continue to help promote the true situation, safety, security, hospitality, and tourism potential of Cambodia through its official website and media channels to attract more Japanese tourists and youth to visit Cambodia.
It is worth noting that the university has continuously conducted international exchange programs in Cambodia since 2009, leading students on over 17 study visits to Cambodia to participate in education, health, sanitation, and community tourism activities across various provinces. Through these programs in Cambodia, the university has published educational books on peace and nation-building for Cambodian children, and is currently preparing additional educational books on peace and resilience to contribute to the development of Cambodian youth and society.
