China Duty Free Group has introduced its Duty Zero by CDF duty free store brand to Southeast Asia at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in Cambodia.
The store spans 1,670sqm and is divided into arrival and departure outlets, and soft opened on 16 October coinciding with the opening of Siem Reap Angkor International Airport’s new terminal building. The new airport has initial capacity ofup to seven million passengers annually with planned expansions increasing that capacity to 20 million passengers annually by 2050. It will eventually replace Siem Reap’s old aiport.
The store design uses elements from the histroic Angkor Wat monuments and integrates classical culture and modern features. The duty-free shop offers renowned international brands from the beauty, jewellery, watches, fashion, tobacco and alcohol categories.
Operated by China Duty Free Group (Cambodia) Co., Ltd (CDF Cambodia) the opening marks the implementation of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative by China Duty Free Group which focuses on initiatives for strategic advancement in global markets. “As the latest example of overseas cooperation between central enterprises, it shows that China Duty Free Group, under the leadership of China Tourism Group, is actively expanding overseas markets and promoting the globalization of China Duty Free Group’s business. It is also an important milestone in the development of China Duty Free Group’s overseas duty free business,” the retailer stated.
As part of the opening, CDF Cambodia has introduced the world’s first Moutai overseas airport store within the Duty Zero by CDF, as part of its efforts to promote local Chinese products overseas and diversify its global duty-free business. The “Going to the sea” display provides a distinct sales platform for the Chinese national liquor brand.
To celebrate the soft opening, Duty Zero by CDF is offering a series of shopping discounts to all travellers. In addition, passengers can check in on social media platforms after shopping to redeem further gifts.
A shared future
CDFG it is committed to exploring overseas markets and contributing “to building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future”. The retailer employs an “integrity management and quality service” concept with the aim to work hand in hand with partners from various countries. 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the “Belt and Road” initiative, the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia, and the “Year of China-Cambodia Friendship”. As such, CDFG continues to promote the sustainable development of Cambodia’s tourism industry and inject vitality into the China-Cambodia partnership.
In March this year, CDF Cambodia’s “Designated Charity Support Base” was officially unveiled in Phnom Penh, followed by the “Childlike Heart Is Infinite” charity art exhibition at CDFG’s Phnom Penh store in Cambodia. Since 2016, CDF Cambodia has continued to support community activities and has organized 26 public welfare activities so far, benefiting thousands of children.
In June this year, CDF Cambodia’s “Chinese Tourist Home” project, a subsidiary of CDFG, was officially granted the right to use the logo and name by the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia. This is the first time that CDF Cambodia has been officially authorized by the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, and it is also the only one to obtain this authorization. Being a central enterprise indicates that CDF Cambodia has played an important role in providing high-end and high-quality tourism services.
Since its establishment in 2013, CDF Cambodia has opened three city duty-free shops in Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh. The Duty Zero by CDF Siem Reap Angkor International Airport duty-free shop is its fourth, achieving organic linkage between the airport and the city. CDF Cambodia will continue to work closely with the Yunnan Aviation Industry (Cambodia) Airport Operations Management Co., Ltd. (YACA) and Angkor International Airport Investment Co., Ltd. (AIAI) to create a model for overseas cooperation between central enterprises.
CDFG also aims to leverage the full industry chain advantages of its parent company China Tourism Group to further explore overseas markets, contribute to the development of the global travel retail industry, and further develop cooperation between China and Cambodia.