Cambodian National Television to open Branch Office in Beijing

By Soy Sophea

A Cambodian government officer said that Cambodian National Television will soon open its first office in Beijing, China, in line with the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.

Khieu Kanharith, Minister of Information and spokesman for the Cambodian Government met with Yao Shihong, Executive Producer of China Central Television in Phnom Penh on January 13. He said that discussions focused on establishment of the Cambodian National Television's (TVK) office in Beijing, People's Republic of China.

The Minister expressed his full thanks to China Central Television representatives for their help in setting up the TVK Beijing office. He also said that TVK was prepared to produce a series of movies in 2009 and added that if CCTV wishes to produce a film in Cambodia, the government will cooperate with pleasure.

“Under bilateral cooperation, China will give financial support to TVK’s office in Beijing. The operation will assist TVK in reporting directly from China to Cambodia by satellite,” he said. “We will have at least two stringers working for TVK in Beijing, all willing and able to send reports from China to Cambodia.” he told the Cambodia Weekly.

He added, “We are proud that China has given us help to set up offices in Beijing, I believe that in the future Cambodian national television will broaden its programming to make entertainment for the entire nation of China.”

The Minister said that however, Cambodia and Chinese experts will have further discussion to finalize the opening date. Cambodian National radio also established Chinese language programs in 2008 as it celebrated the 50th anniversary of Cambodia-China diplomatic relations.

Cambodian-owned state television, TVK and private television stations can be seen internationally as they broadcast by satellite. They bring a real view from Cambodia to the world, especially to Cambodians overseas who live in Canada, the United States, France and Australia, said the minister.