China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government and the French government have formalized an agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration in scientific research, promoting innovation, and fostering talent development. The agreement, signed by Macao’s Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip and the Consul General of France in Hong Kong, Christile Drulhe, outlines plans for joint scientific research projects, seminars, workshops, and researcher exchanges, according to Macao's Science and Technology Development Fund.

Tai Kin Ip emphasized the Macao SAR government's dedication to cultivating innovation-driven industries and expanding international partnerships. He noted that the collaboration with France presents a significant opportunity for mutual benefit, enhancing Macao's role in the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macao science and technology innovation corridor and supporting the city's economic diversification efforts.

Christile Drulhe highlighted that the cooperation would serve as a vital communication bridge for researchers from both regions. She expressed confidence that joint research and talent exchange programs would not only advance scientific research but also strengthen the bond between the people of France and China. The signing ceremony was attended by approximately 40 guests, including representatives from various sectors such as the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Macao SAR, local universities, tech companies, and French and European chambers of commerce.

Separately, Cambodia reported a substantial 50.6 percent increase in Chinese tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2025. According to a report from the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, 286,156 Chinese tourists visited Cambodia between January and March, a significant rise from the 189,961 visitors recorded during the same period last year. Chinese tourists accounted for 15.6 percent of the total 1.83 million international tourist arrivals in Cambodia, making China the third-largest source of foreign visitors, trailing only Thailand and Vietnam.

Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, underscored the critical importance of Chinese tourists to Cambodia's tourism sector. He highlighted the promising cooperation between Cambodia and China in tourism, with increasing numbers of Chinese visitors significantly contributing to the Cambodian economy. Designating 2025 as the Cambodia-China Year of Tourism represents a crucial step in revitalizing bilateral tourism and fostering people-to-people exchanges. Sinan noted that Chinese tourists have historically played a vital role in Cambodia's tourism industry, and this initiative aims to stimulate market growth, create employment opportunities, and bolster related sectors amidst global economic uncertainties.

Tourism is a cornerstone of Cambodia's economy, alongside garment, footwear, and travel goods export, agriculture, and construction and real estate. Cambodia boasts four UNESCO-listed world heritage sites, including the Angkor Archaeological Park, the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, the Temple of Preah Vihear, and the Koh Ker archaeological site, as well as approximately 450 kilometers of pristine coastline across the provinces of Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep, and Koh Kong.