A dance drama entitled Nanguo Hongdou is staged in Wuxi, July 10 to 13, and details a love story set in Sihanoukville special economic zone (SEZ), Cambodia. [Photo/wxrb.com]

A dance drama entitled Nanguo Hongdou was staged in Wuxi from July 10 to 13. Telling a love story set in Cambodia's Sihanoukville special economic zone (SEZ) based on true events, the drama was performed by the Wuxi Song and Dance Troupe and details the relationship between an engineer at a Wuxi-based textile company, Hodo Group, and a local Cambodian woman.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Cambodia. The dance performance has been listed as part of a provincial project which noted its significance in furthering Sino-Cambodian ties and friendship.

Dancers perform as Cambodian locals. [Photo/WeChat account: wxsgwjyjsmzwjy]

The first special economic zone in Cambodia, the Sihanoukville SEZ was developed in 2010 through an intergovernmental agreement and bilateral coordination between China and Cambodia.

Covering over 11 square kilometers, the SEZ has attracted 125 companies from China and such developed markets as the United States and Japan, of which 107 have commenced operation. More than 21,000 locals are employed at the SEZ at companies specializing in textiles, garments, machinery, electronics, leather products and wooden flooring.

The Sihanoukville SEZ also takes advantage of opportunities brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative and by Cambodia's 2015-25 industrial development agenda. More projects will be introduced to the SEZ, forming a complete industrial chain and enhancing the zone's competitiveness.