Phnom Penh, July 26, 2024 --The banking and financial industry has remained strong with the modest growth in both loans and deposits in the first half of 2024, despite uncertainties on global economic growth.Outstanding loans increased by 2.6 percent year-on-year to US$58.9 billion by June this year, while customers’ deposits rose by 13.4 percent to US$51.9 billion, the biannual report of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) stated on Friday.The loans are for key sectors, comprising trade, housing, construction and real estate, agriculture, hotels and restaurants, and manufacturing, among others.Non-performing loans (NPLs) at the banks and the microfinance institutions were at controllable rates of 6.8 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively, it added.NBC Governor H.E. Dr. Chea Serey attributed the growth of the banking and financial industry to the cooperation of banking and finance in compliance with prudent regulations and continued to strive to maintain stable credit interest rates.“Banking system continues contributing to macro-economic and financial stability as well as playing a key role in supporting the economic growth,” she said.Cambodia has 59 commercial banks, nine specialised banks, 87 microfinance institutions, and 115 rural credit institutions across the country, with 21.3 million deposit accounts and 4 million credit accounts, the report said.
Phnom Penh, July 02, 2024 --Cambodia and the Republic of Korea have discussed more cooperation to promote digital education in Cambodia.The discussion took place in a recent meeting in the Republic of Korea between H.E. Ms. Kim Sethany, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, and Mr. Jung Dae-Ho, Director General of the Education Department of Busan city, South Korea.The two sides spoke highly of nearly 20 years of good collaboration in education and vowed to renew their partnership in 2025.The partnership will support networking between schools in Busan city and Cambodia through education and technology experience sharing and capacity building, especially for Cambodian teachers.H.E. Ms. Kim Sethany emphasised that South Korea is a leading country in mainstreaming technology in education and that the new partnership reflects a long-lasting friendship and will contribute significantly to Cambodia’s education advancement.
Phnom Penh, July 25, 2024 --Daily costs of a healthy diet in Southeast Asia are highest in Thailand and Brunei and lowest in Singapore and Malaysia, according to the latest UN report on food security and nutrition.Released in Brazil on Wednesday, the report says disruptions from COVID and the war in Ukraine have fueled “significant increases in international food and energy prices.”For comparisons, the report uses purchasing power parity (PPP) exchange rates. These measure the rate at which a currency of one economy needs to be converted into the currency of another to buy the same amount of goods and services in both economies.Worldwide, the average daily cost of a healthy diet was 3.96 PPP dollars in 2022, up from 3.56 PPP dollars in 2021 — before the war in Ukraine — and a pre-Covid level of 3.25 PPP dollars in 2019.ASIA AMONG REGIONS WITH HIGHEST COSTSBy region, the cost of a healthy diet in 2022 was highest in Latin America and the Caribbean (4.56 PPP dollars) followed by Asia (4.20 PPP dollars), Africa (3.74 PPP dollars), North America and Europe (3.57 PPP dollars), and Oceania (3.46 PPP dollars).Among ASEAN countries, the cost was highest in Thailand at 4.93 PPP dollars followed by Brunei (4.90 PPP dollars), Laos (4.65 PPP dollars), Indonesia (4.64 PPP dollars) and Myanmar (4.56 PP dollars)Cambodia had the sixth-highest cost at 4.50 PPP dollars followed by the Philippines (4.10 PPP dollars), Vietnam (3.96 PPP dollars) Malaysia (3.77 PPP dollars) and Singapore (3.48 PPP dollars).Among other East Asia Summit (EAS) countries, Japan had the highest cost for a healthy diet (6.54 PPP dollars) followed by South Korea (6.09 PPP dollars).In the other six EAS countries, the cost of maintaining a healthy diet was lower than the Southeast Asia average of 4.35 PPP dollars.Costs were 3.36 PPP dollars in India and 3.35 PPP dollars in China. The lowest costs were in resource-rich countries — New Zealand (3.21 PPP dollars) followed by Australia and Russia (2.90 PPP dollars) and the United States (2.63 PPP dollars).The annual report — the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World — is compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and four other UN agencies.DISPARITIES PRONOUNCED IN LOW-INCOME COUNTRIESIn a statement, the FAO said more than 2.8 billion people were unable to afford a healthy diet in 2022.“This disparity is most pronounced in low-income countries, where 71.5 percent of the population cannot afford a healthy diet, compared to 6.3 percent in high-income countries.”“Notably, the number dropped below pre-pandemic levels in Asia and in Northern America and Europe, while it increased substantially in Africa.”In launching the report in Rio de Janeiro, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu welcomed a global decrease in the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet as a “positive sign”.But “this is still out of reach for more than one third of people in the world,” Qu said.“The high cost of healthy diets (is) worsening the situation and increasing inequalities. Globally, the funding gap for this transformation may reach several trillion US Dollars.”The report defines the cost of a healthy diet as the cost of buying the cheapest locally available foods that meet dietary guidelines for a person within an energy balance of 2,330 kilocalories a day.According to the UN definition, healthy diets comprise four key elements — food-group diversity, essential nutrient sufficiency, moderate consumption of unhealthy foods, and balanced energy and macronutrient intake.
With its newest display, "Orchids of Angkor Wat," the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay allows guests to discover the enchantment of Angkor Wat. Running through September 8, 2024, this amazing show will showcase a vast array of native Cambodian orchids and their hybrids, skillfully set against the backdrop of an immaculately constructed facsimile of the famous Angkor Wat temple.In addition to showcasing orchids' natural beauty, the display strives to honor the cultural and historical value of Angkor Wat, one of the world's most famous architectural wonders. The show connects historical grandeur and natural beauty by including themes of biodiversity and Cambodian heritage.As they stroll through exhibits that combine botany and art, visitors to the Orchid Haven within the Cloud Forest will feel as though they have been transported to the center of Cambodia. Each arrangement is intended to evoke the calm, ethereal atmosphere of Angkor Wat. The authenticity of the scene is further enhanced by the intricate sculptures of Cambodian fauna.A unique performance of Cambodian culture is included in the display, further enhancing the cultural immersion. Through traditional music and dance, this performance aims to enhance the visitor experience and provide a greater understanding and appreciation of Cambodian culture.In addition to showcasing the richness and beauty of orchids, the "Orchids of Angkor Wat" display also promotes conservation efforts to protect these amazing plants, many of which are indigenous to the area surrounding Angkor Wat. Visitors can learn about the ecological significance of orchids and the conservation initiatives underway through educational materials and guided tours.In addition, orchid care, cultivation, and significance will be discussed by horticulturists and Southeast Asian flora specialists, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of these plants than just their aesthetic value.The exhibition is anticipated to attract tourists from all over the world, history buffs, and orchid enthusiasts, making it a major cultural event on Singapore's calendar. Offering a distinctive educational and cultural experience in one of Singapore's most popular sites, it promises to be an enthralling encounter for people of all ages.
Phnom Penh, July 18, 2024 --The Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ICT), in collaboration with Japan's University under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS), has established an air quality monitoring system, according to the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports.The system aims to study air quality in Cambodia and transboundary air pollution, especially in Phnom Penh, by focusing on the levels of toxin and chemical pollutants.The air quality monitoring system is capable of measuring tiny particles as small as 0.3 micrometres, including carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone.Meanwhile, the ITC has also established an air quality monitoring laboratory that is capable of analysing toxin amounts, chemicals, and other substances that affect people's health.So far, air quality monitors have been equipped at five different locations in Phnom Penh, including ITC, the University of Health Sciences, Prek Pnov Khan hall, the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), and Arey Ksat Sangkat hall.
Phnom Penh, July 17, 2024 --Cambodia has grabbed three medals, including 1 silver and 2 bronze at the 2nd International Indonesia Pencak Silat Open Championship 2024 in Indonesia.Mr. Chhim Rachat obtained a silver medal in 50-55 kg category, while Mr. Nun Sramoach Krahorm and Mr. Ponleu Pichmorokot won each a bronze medal in under 45 kg and 85-90 kg events, respectively.Taking place from July 10 to 17, the tournament attracted the participation of 4,000 athletes.Cambodia sent 14 athletes led by Mr. Andy Steven, Vice President of the Pencak Silat Federation of Cambodia, to attend the event.This is the first time that the Cambodia Pencak Silat Federation sends its athletes to join such a tournament because the federation was just established this year, according to H.E. Major General Seng Thearin, President of the Cambodia Pencak Silat Federation.The participation was a good opportunity for Cambodian athletes to sharpen their capacity for the forthcoming SEA Games 2025 in Thailand, he added.
Phnom Penh, July 24, 2024 --“Preserving and sustainably using the oceans and marine resources for sustainable development are the shared responsibility of all nations,” stressed H.E. Eang Sophalleth, Cambodian Minister of Environment while presiding over the opening ceremony of the first “Blue Talks” in Cambodia on Tuesday.Organised by the French Embassy in Phnom Penh in partnership with the French Agency for Development (AFD), the event was held in Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk province in preparation for the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) to be held in Nice, France in June 2025.H.E. Eang Sophalleth also underscored the importance of protecting the marine environment and biodiversity, and welcomed the close cooperation from relevant partners to share knowledge and cooperation in maritime health care.Moreover, he mentioned about the ocean pollution due to plastic waste, and laid stress on Cambodia’s active contribution to reducing plastic waste, affirming that the Kingdom has reduced the plastic consumption by 74.1 percent in the past 11 months.The UN statistics show that by 2050, the plastic population will exceed the number of fishes in the ocean.According to French Embassy, the first “Blue Talks” in Cambodia aimed to mobilise all stakeholders to create favorable conditions for international negotiations and establish a network of stakeholders in Cambodia to develop new projects dedicated to the oceans. The ultimate objective is to raise the level of ambition and collectively increase the efforts to protect the oceans by June 2025.H.E. Jacques Pellet, Ambassador of France to Cambodia, H.E. Long Dimanche, Deputy Governor of Preah Sihanouk province, and Mr. Jean-Pierre Marcelli, AFD Regional Director for Southeast Asia, as well as representatives of different ministries, NGOs, EU Delegation to Cambodia, UN agencies and private sector also joined H.E. Minister of Environment in exchanging views on issues of blue economy, ecotourism, maritime trade and responsible agriculture.
Phnom Penh, July 08, 2024 --The Ministry of Information will cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce on news and event broadcasting via the former’s media tools, including the Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP), the National Television of Cambodia (TVK), the National Radio of Cambodia (TVK) and mobile app (APP MoINFO).Minister of Information H.E. Neth Pheaktra and Minister of Commerce H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the cooperation, at the Ministry of Information here this afternoon.Speaking on the occasion, both ministers welcomed the signing of the MoU, underlining that the cooperation will contribute to building the public’s confidence on state institutions and to fighting against fake newsUnder the MoU, they added, the public will be well aware of the activities, mission and achievements of the Ministry of Commerce.Besides, H.E. Neth Pheaktra and H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul laid stress on the importance of managing public opinion by feeding the public with true and fast information to avoid social chaos.The Ministry of Commerce is the 5th ministries to have entered into such cooperation with the Ministry of Information.
Phnom Penh, July 16, 2024 --Cambodian athletes have grabbed 17 medals – 4 gold, 6 silver and 7 bronze – at the WDSF World Challenge Cup: Rising Stars Latin & Standard 2024 in Vietnam.The update was shared by Mrs. Hang Simorn, Secretary General of Cambodia DanceSport Federation (CDSF), adding that the gold medalists are Mr. Chum Lyheang, Ms. San Roza, and Mr. Long Chamnol.Mr. Chum Lyheang and Ms. San Roza won each a gold medal for WDSF World Challenge Cup Rising Star 2024; while the young athlete Mr. Long Chamnol alone got two gold medals, pointed out the secretary general.This is, she added, a new achievement of Cambodia's Dancesport thanks to the Cambodian athletes' hard work in training and competitions.The event taking place on July 13-14 attracted the participation of over 1,000 athletes from 26 countries in the Asian, European, American and African continents.Besides the WDSF World Challenge Cup: Rising Stars Latin & Standard 2024, athletes also showcased their talents in two other major events including the WDSF International Open Latin & Standard 2024 and the KTOC Cup 2024.
Phnom Penh, July 26, 2024 --A Quick Impact Project (QIP) “Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools in Prey Veng Province” was inaugurated in the province on July 25 to promote hygiene practices at school.The event was presided over by H.E. Ms. Kim Sethany, Permanent Secretary of State at the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India to Cambodia and H.E. Dr. Chhay Kim Sotheavy, Director of Health Education Department and Director of Prey Veng Provincial Department of Education, Youth and Sports.This initiative, funded by the Government of India, has seen the construction of modern toilets equipped with handwashing facilities in four schools in Prey Veng province., said a press release of the Indian Embassy, pointing out that these facilities are crucial in promoting proper hygiene practices among students and teachers, thereby contributing to a healthier learning environment and reducing absenteeism due to preventable illnesses.According to the source, the project builds upon India's longstanding commitment to supporting Cambodia's development goals, particularly in the sectors of education and public health. In the past, the Indian Embassy has successfully implemented similar projects in other provinces, impacting twelve schools and fostering sustainable practices in hygiene and sanitation.In her remarks at the inauguration ceremony, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Devyani Khobragade emphasised the importance of these projects in enhancing the quality of education and ensuring the well-being of students. She also announced two new projects in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports. The first project aims to improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene facilities in schools in Kampong Cham Province, while the second project focuses on developing Climate-Resilient School Water Systems in Prey Veng Province.H.E. Kim Sethany expressed her gratitude for India's continued support and partnership in enhancing educational facilities and promoting health initiatives in Cambodia.Under QIP Scheme, the Government of India implements 10 projects every year in Cambodia by providing a funding of up to US$50,000/- each per project. Since 2015-16, the Government of India has approved 57 projects in the fields of IT, agriculture, health, sanitation, women’s empowerment, child welfare, rural development, social infrastructure (including capacity building). This initiative reflects the broader framework of India’s Act East policy, which aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia and foster regional cooperation. Furthermore, it underscores India's commitment to the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) initiative.“The Embassy of India extends its sincere gratitude to all stakeholders involved in making this project a reality. Through continued cooperation and shared commitment, India and Cambodia look forward to achieving greater milestones in promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth,” said the press release.