Mong Reththy, president of locally-owned conglomerate Mong Reththy Group (MRG), announced a “successful” meeting with Japanese investors who have spent the past three years examining the grounds of the Mong Reththy Sen Chey Agri-Tourism Development area, with a view to developing a comfortable retirement village for elderly Japanese.
Reththy explained that earlier this month, he and the investors met for three days, discussing the venture and visiting the development area in Kampong Speu province’s Samrong Tong district.
“As we envisage it, the village will feature a relaxing water park at the foot of the mountain. The key target demographic for the village will be retired Japanese people who will come here to escape the cold winters of their native land. We will provide a comfortable environment for them,” he said.
The tycoon added that facility will include general healthcare services, food, several kinds of accommodation, a golf course and a modern hospital.
“We have also established a ‘fragrant coconut’ plantation. I have planted about 60ha, as I want all of our visitors to partake in healthy coconuts instead of processed, canned drinks,” he said.
According to Reththy, the project is proceeding as planned and would be underway in the near future.
He noted that Japanese companies were reliable investors and were unlikely to alter their plans, especially after such a long and detailed examination process.
In addition to the village, Reththy said the Japanese were also interested in investing in coconut oil, rubber and animal feed. He explained that further discussions would be necessary before these projects get underway.
Cambodia Association of Travel Agents president Chhay Sivlin described the transformation of a natural area into a dedicated village for long-stay Japanese tourists as a modern, attractive idea, and suggested it would be a welcome addition to the Kingdom’s accommodation offerings.
“The ecotourism market is expanding rapidly, for both domestic and international tourists. It is always good to hear that the private sector is creating new products, especially ones like this long-term stay eco-tourism park,” he said.
