May 27 - June 5, 2013 - CTG Chairman, Chen Yin, led a delegation on an inspection tour to Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Maldives.
In Cambodia, the team met with Wang Wentian, the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, and Zou Yuhui, Chairman of Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., an affiliate of China's Yunnan Investment Holdings Ltd. and the operator of the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. They also inspected the CTG DUTY-FREE's operations in Phnom Penh and within Angkor.
Chairman Chen expressed gratitude for the long-standing support and care the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia has provided to CTG's operations in the country. He highlighted CTG's active response to the "Belt and Road Initiative", viewing Cambodia as a crucial market for realizing the group's strategy of "Achieve Excellence Overseas". CTG has expanded its duty-free operations with initial success in Cambodia. With continued guidance and support from the embassy, CTG aims to leverage its advantages of the whole industrial chain in tourism to further penetrate the Cambodian tourism market. The group's efforts will be focused on enhancing existing operations and project constructions to contribute significantly to Cambodia's socio-economic growth. Ambassador Wang Wentian welcomed the delegation and expressed hope that CTG, with its resource advantage, would play a pivotal role in reviving the tourism of Chinese visitors to Cambodia. He assured continued support for CTG's business ventures in the country.
Chairman Chen thanked China's Yunnan Investment Holdings Ltd. as the operator of the new Angkor airport project, for their trust in CTG DUTY-FREE. The two entities, both state-owned, exchanged views on their cooperation in the airport business and pledged long-term cooperation aiming for mutual benefits. Chairman Chen confirmed CTG's commitment to providing the utmost support in areas like passenger flow and attracting investments for mutual benefits.
Upon receiving a work report from CTG DUTY-FREE in Cambodia, Chairman Chen mentioned that the duty-free shop in Cambodia was among the earlier "Belt and Road Initiative" projects of CTG. It stands as a testament to CTG's capability to harness its comprehensive resources effectively. He urged for continued improvement in management services and bolstering CTG DUTY-FREE's reputation locally. Chairman Chen also emphasized greater synergy with CTG TRAVEL to promote the high-quality development of the group's overseas duty-free business.
In Sri Lanka, the delegation visited the Sri Lankan Minister of Tourism and Lands, Fernando. They also met with the Deputy General Manager of the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), Chen Zhong, and surveyed the Port City Colombo project site and potential CTG DUTY-FREE locations.
Minister Fernando welcomed the delegation and expressed hopes of strengthening ties with CTG to promote Sri Lanka in China and attract more Chinese tourists. Chairman Chen conveyed the willingness of CTG and its subsidiaries to collaborate with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism and Land and local enterprises. He outlined potential endeavors like operating duty-free shops, developing tourism products, and joint marketing initiatives to enhance Sri Lanka's tourism appeal.
During the meeting with Mr. Chen Zhong, Chairman Chen lauded CCCC's overseas achievements as a state-owned enterprise and expressed that CTG has established a robust foundation for collaboration with CCCC. Both leaders aspire to leverage their respective strengths to amplify their cooperative efforts. Chen Zhong warmly welcomed the delegation, acknowledging CTG's comprehensive edge in the tourism industry. Both parties aim to unearth new opportunities and deepen their cooperation across various domains, working towards mutual benefits.
In the Maldives, Chairman Chen and his team engaged with notable figures such as the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Wang Lixin, and Maldivian Tourism Minister, Abdulla Mausoom. They reviewed the progress of CTG INTERNATIONAL's new resort project in Ambara, Maldives, and also visited Le Méridien Resorts managed by Accor and Marriott groups.
Expressing gratitude to the Chinese Embassy in the Maldives for their continuous support and assistance, Chairman Chen briefed Ambassador Wang about CTG's business advancements. Both parties held profound exchanges on tourism investment and development in the Maldives. Ambassador Wang expressed warm welcome to the delegation and expects CTG, building on its current projects, to further its collaborations locally, potentially introducing duty-free advantages to foster Sino-Maldivian tourism growth and bilateral relationship enhancements.
Discussions with Minister Mausoom revolved around the growth of the Maldivian tourism sector. Chairman Chen hoped for the Tourism Department's continued support of CTG's investment projects in the Maldives. Minister Mausoom responded positively, expressing eagerness to explore more in-depth collaborations on resort and duty-free operations.
A focal point of the visit was the on-site evaluation of the Maldives Anbala Island Resort. After hearing a report on the project's construction progress, Chairman Chen urged CTG INTERNATIONAL to: implement CTG's strategy of "Achieve Excellence Overseas" in collaboration with China Harbor, leveraging respective construction and operational advantages to make Ambara Island a premier overseas tourist destination; choose the hotel operator and set up a proficient team to ensure Anbala Island Resort's timely completion and operation; prioritize sustainable development by emphasizing eco-friendly initiatives and renewable energy utilization; and collaborate with CTG TRAVEL and external experts to thoroughly understand the preferences of Chinese travelers, ensuring that product design meets their needs.
Managers from the CTG Overseas Business Department, CTG INTERNATIONAL, CTG DUTY-FREE, and relevant local enterprises also attended the activities.