Investment, Trade Talks Expected for India President

Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, second from left, waves at greeting Cambodian government officials upon her arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, Sept. 13, 2010. (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Monday, 13 September 2010

“I will assure them that they can count on India as a willing development partner,” she was quoted saying before her departure. “Our efforts in this direction have been towards undertaking infrastructure projects and capacity building programs in these countries. Our trade and investment linkages have grown over the years although they remain much below potential.”

Indian President Pratibha Patil arrived in the capital on Monday to hold talks with Cambodian leaders on trade, investment and other economic ties, officials said.

Patil will conduct a six-day visit, meeting with King Norodom Sihamoni, Prime Minister Hun Sen and other leaders.

She was given a traditional welcome Monday as she arrived at Phnom Penh International Airport, where Kong Sam Ol, the Minister for the Royal Palace, awaited her.