PHNOM PENH - An exhibition on the Chinese-developed electric power achievements in Cambodia kicked off here on Thursday with an aim of promoting the importance and advantages of electric power for socio-economic development.

Cambodian Minister of Mines and Energy Suy Sem and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo jointly opened the two-week fair, which was held in the complex of the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

"The exhibition is vital to raise awareness of hydroelectric power plants and their advantages for social and economic development," Suy Sem said.

The minister said in the past decade, Chinese companies had invested in seven hydroelectric power plants in Cambodia. Six of them were operational, producing a total of 928 megawatts, while the seventh one, Lower Sesan II hydropower plant with the capacity of 400 megawatts, was under construction.

The seven plants totally cost around $2.4 billion.

Besides, Chinese firms had constructed thousands of kilometers of electric power transmission lines, said Ambassador Xiong.

"We are very happy to see Chinese enterprises actively engaged in the development of energy sector in Cambodia," he said. "We are confident that Chinese firms will invest more in the energy sector here."

The ambassador also encouraged Chinese companies to pay particular attention to environmental protection and contributions to social and humanitarian activities.

The exhibition was organized by the Electric Power Enterprise Association of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia.

According to the Cambodian Ministry of Mines and Energy, the electricity supply available in Cambodia last year was 2,008 megawatts.

The Chinese hydropower plants had produced a total of 928 megawatts, accounting for 46 percent of the electricity available in Cambodia.