Cost Of A Healthy Diet Varies Widely Across Southeast Asia And Broader Region: UN
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.
36 Countries Signed Up For 9th Angkor Empire Marathon 2024
Phnom Penh, July 25, 2024 —As of yesterday, 2,924 runners, including 2,122 Cambodians and 802 foreigners from 36 countries, have signed up for the 9th Angkor Empire Marathon 2024.The update was shared with AKP by Mr. Sem Phalla, Managing Director of the Angkor Empire Marathon, adding that registration is open until July 26.Among the participating foreign runners, Japan leads the rest in terms of number, followed by China and Vietnam.The running will happen in Siem Reap province on Aug. 4 in four categories: a 42-kilometre full marathon, a 21-kilometre half marathon, 10-kilometre running, and a 3-kilometre fun run for family and children.Of the runners, 457 registered for the 42-kilometre full marathon, 630 for the 21-kilometre half marathon, 1,380 for the 10-kilometre running, and 457 for the 3-kilometre fun run, he continued.According to H.E. Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), the event aims to mobilise funds for humanitarian action, attract more foreign tourists to visit the province's Angkor Archaeological Park, and promote the development of Cambodia's sports sector.
Asia Foundation Assists Cambodia In Survey-Based Research Training
Phnom Penh, July 25, 2024—The Asia Foundation has agreed to assist Cambodia’s Ministry of Inspection in survey-based research training for its technical staff.The agreement was inked between Dr. Som Boran, Director of the National Institute of Inspection, and Mr. Johann Rebert, Deputy Country Representative at The Asia Foundation in Cambodia in Phnom Penh, on July 23.H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Inspection, presided over the signing event.The training is expected to significantly contribute to further capacitating Cambodian inspection officials in scientific surveys. The survey-based research training of 168 hours will cost US$26,020, and it will be organised from late August until December.
Commerce Minister Shares Insights On Cambodia's Competitiveness
Phnom Penh, July 24, 2024 --Minister of Commerce H.E. Mrs. CHAM Nimul has delivered a keynote address on "Vision on Cambodia's Competitiveness and What Lies Ahead" to professors and students of CamEd Business School.The event, moderated by Dr. PRUM Virak, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CamEd Business School, took place on July 23 here at the school.In her keynote address, H.E. Minister shared the vision and policy of the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) as well as the efforts of the Ministry of Commerce in promoting international trade, especially market diversification, improving public services, and developing laws, regulations, and policies to strengthen Cambodia's competitiveness in the trade sector.H.E. Mrs. CHAM Nimul also appreciated CamEd Business School for its contribution to the RGC's human resources development, which is an important driving force for economic growth.
Ministry Urges Further Technical Skill Training Collaboration With Singapore
Phnom Penh, July 23, 2024 --Cambodia has urged Singapore for cooperation, especially in building technical capacity for Cambodian skills trainers to the level of Singapore.H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, made the request in a meeting with Mr. Tuan Kee Aw, Deputy Principal/CEO of Temasek Polytechnic, in Phnom Penh, on July 22.The cooperation between the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) and Singapore's Temasek Polytechnic is necessary to further increase the levels of technical skill training to meet the needs of the emerging labour market.Mr. Tuan Kee Aw firmly supported the ministry's initiative to strengthen the cooperation crucial for further advancement of the sector in the country.The two also spoke highly of the ongoing good relationship, which brings about blossoming cooperation in all sectors between the two countries.
Cambodia, Sri Lanka Satisfied With Good Bilateral Ties
Phnom Penh, July 23, 2024 --Cambodia and Sri Lanka have expressed their satisfaction with their good relations and cooperation, and vowed to further foster them.The commitment was made during a farewell meeting here on July 22 between Deputy Prime Minister H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, and H.E. Ms. Colonne Appuhamillage Chaminda Inoka Colonne, outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Cambodia with residence in Bangkok.On the occasion, both sides noted with deep satisfaction the good relations and cooperation between Cambodia and Sri Lanka, and exchanged views on enhancing trade, investment and tourism cooperation that are mutually beneficial interests between the two countries and peoples, said the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in a news release this morning.Meanwhile, the source added, both sides also agreed to continue strengthening cooperation at the regional and international levels.H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea congratulated H.E. Ms. Colonne Appuhamillage Chaminda Inoka Colonne on the completion of her diplomatic tenure in the Kingdom, while H.E. Ambassador expressed sincere appreciation to the Royal Government of Cambodia, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for providing unwavering support throughout her mission in the Kingdom and pledged her continued contribution to the strengthening of relations and cooperation between the two countries even after the completion of her tour of duty.
DPM SOK Chenda Sophea Speaks Highly Of Cambodia-China Relations In Past 66 Years
Phnom Penh, July 20, 2024 --Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea has praised the growing Cambodia-China relations over the past 66 years, becoming a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation and evolving into Ironclad Friendship.He made the remarks while attending as a Guest of Honour the reception to celebrate the 66th Anniversary of the Establishment of Cambodia-China Diplomatic Relations and the Assumption of Office of H.E. WANG Wenbin, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Cambodia, held at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel on the evening of July 19.H.E. Deputy Prime Minister also mentioned the consensus made by leaders of the two countries to build a Community with Shared Future and establish a Diamond Cooperation Framework focusing on six priority areas. On that occasion, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister SOK Chenda Sophea also congratulated H.E. WANG Wenbin on his appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Cambodia, and affirmed his collaboration and support extended to His Excellency the Ambassador during his mission in Cambodia.
Five Key Collaborations Agreed At 3rd Ministerial Meeting On Cambodia-Thailand Tourism Cooperation
Phnom Penh, July 19, 2024 --Five key collaborations have been discussed and agreed at the 3rd Ministerial Meeting on Tourism Cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand, in Bangkok, Thailand, from July 17 to 18, said a press release of the Ministry of Tourism received by AKP this noon.The meeting was co-chaired by Cambodian Minister of Tourism H.E. SOK Soken and H.E. Sermsak Pongpanit, Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports.The five cooperation include Enhanced Cross-Border Facilitation, “Two Countries, One Destination” Campaign, Human Resource Development, Promoting Quality Tourism, and Promoting Tourism Investment.The 3rd Ministerial Meeting on Tourism Cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand also reviewed the results of the 7th Joint working Group on Bilateral Tourism Cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand on July 17, and the progress of the implementation of the Joint Action Plan on Cambodia-Thailand Tourism Cooperation 2023-2025, and revised some joints of this joint action plan to respond to the current situation, the source added.Moreover, both parties jointly organised a Workshop on “Joint Tourism Professional Package” between both countries, which was participated by relevant private sectors, it continued.On July 17, Mr. Ith Vichit, Executive Director of the Cambodia Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board (CTB), met with representatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to discuss future collaboration and enhance tourist flows of both countries.
Mussel Growers In Koh Kong Certified For Exports
Phnom Penh, July 18, 2024 --The Cambodia Quality Seal (CQS) has certified the quality of dried shrimp and mussel enterprises in the Peam Krasop community of Koh Kong, paving the way for their entry into international markets.The move was shared by Mr. Thong Ra, an officer of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), in a study visit on July 17.The enterprises have succeeded in the first phase of expanding their supply in the domestic market and have been proven to be ready to export, especially dried mussels, to international markets, he said.He added that there is a need for quality and food safety standards for exports of fisheries products to international markets, including the European Union (EU).According to Mr. Bryan Fornari, the Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Cambodia, the union will work with Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries to provide technical support in terms of processing and packing for certified enterprises to export their fisheries products to Europe.Through the support of the EU, Cambodia has so far exported agricultural products, including Kampot pepper and cashew nuts, to the markets in Europe, he continued.Enterprises in the Peam Krasop community have the capacity to grow 2,500 to 3,000 tonnes of mussels per year, and the season to harvest them is from November to March.Besides the Peam Krasop community, two other communities in Kapi and Chroy Pras of the same province are also growing mussels.
Cambodia Bags 17 Medals At A World DanceSport Event In Vietnam
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.
Over 2.5 Tonnes Of Live Mantis Shrimps Exported
Phnom Penh, July 16, 2024 --Since early 2024, Cambodia has exported over 2.5 tonnes of live mantis shrimps to the People's Republic of China.The figure was shared on July 15 by H.E. Ms. Im Rachna, Under Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.She presented the highlights during a meeting in Phnom Penh before a roadshow to promote fishery production in the provinces of Kampot, Koh Kong, and Preah Sihanouk.Due to the hot weather in the early months of the year, the harvest of mantis shrimps decreased, pushing up its price at the market.The ministry will urge domestic breeding of mantis shrimps if there is more demand for exports to international markets, she added.Cambodia initially exported 45 kilogrammes of mantis shrimp to China on Sept. 16, 2023.According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, in 2023, Cambodia exported 1,095 kilogrammes of live mantis shrimps to China.Besides mantis shrimps, other Cambodian aquatic products exported to China included live eels, frozen eels, and frozen freshwater glass shrimps.The export of aquatic products to China is a significant move for fishery sector in Cambodia in addition to agricultural products such as milled rice, fresh mango, banana, and longan.
Cambodia, Thailand Sign MoU To Strengthen Parliamentary Ties
Phnom Penh, July12, 2024 --Cambodia and Thailand have entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the ties of friendship and cooperation between both countries’ parliaments to be more active and comprehensive through parliamentary diplomatic activities.The signatories were Samdech Moha Rathsapheathika Thipadei KHOUN Sudary, President of the National Assembly (NA) of Cambodia, and H.E. Wanmuhamadnoor Matha, President of the NA and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Thailand, in Bangkok on July 11, during the former’s two-day official and friendly visit in Thailand.Under the MoU, both sides will support each other, participate and exchange information and best practices and resources for mutual benefits of both countries, as well as exchange visits at four levels: parliamentary leadership, specialised committees, parliamentary friendship groups and senior officials, and secretariat/general secretariat, which will contribute to attain peace, prosperity and advancement of parliamentary of both countries. They will also continue their mutual support at the regional and international forums.Both sides also co-presided over the signing ceremony of a MoU between the General Secretariats of both countries’ NAs to further develop existing bilateral relations and support the MoU between the two NAs.
Commerce Ministry, China’s Yueqing Discuss Relationship Expansion
Phnom Penh, July 15, 2024 --Cambodian Ministry of Commerce and Yueqing city of China’s Zhejiang province have recently discussed the expansion of their relationship as well as the promotion of bilateral trade cooperation between Cambodia and China.The discussion took place here between H.E. SOK Darith, Advisor and Deputy Director of the General Department of Trade Promotion, and Mr. Chen Xiangdong, Chairman of the Yueqing Municipal Committee of the CPPCC, Zhejiang province, said the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce.According to the same source, in this meeting, H.E. SOK Darith informed that Cambodia and China have enhanced bilateral ties from a steel friendship to a diamond friendship, with the governments of the two countries committed to jointly promoting the building of a Cambodia-China community with a shared future and promoting increased bilateral trade to another level under the Cambodia-China Bilateral Free Trade Agreement.The deputy director added that Cambodia has many Chinese businessmen and investors operating in almost all sectors, including infrastructure, factories, industry, agriculture, tourism, and services.Additionally, he informed that the General Department of Trade Promotion of the Ministry of Commerce has various forms of cooperation with China, including trade fairs in Nanning and other cities in China, the Cambodian Private Commercial Centre, the establishment of a Cambodia-China industrial park, business forums, trade meetings, and trade promotion.
Cambodia, Germany Sign A MoU On Temple Conservation And Restoration
Phnom Penh, July 10, 2024 --The Kingdom of Cambodia and the Federal Republic of Germany have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the area of temple conservation and restoration.The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in Phnom Penh on July 9 under the presidency of H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts and Chairwoman of the Board of APSARA National Authority.H.E. Hang Peou, Director General of the APSARA National Authority and H.E. Stefan Messerer, Ambassador of Germany to Cambodia were the signatories.According to the authority, the MoU is aimed to continue the cooperation in the field of restoration and conservation of temples in Angkor and other historical sites under the management of the APSARA National Authority.
Environment Ministry To Organise An Exhibition To Promote And Distribute Seedlings
Phnom Penh, July 10, 2024 --The Ministry of Environment will organise an exhibition to promote and distribute seedings under the theme “Green Sprouts” and the 4th National Folk Forum.The event is scheduled to take place from July 10 to 12, in front of the Morodok Techo Building, Ministry of Environment, Phnom Penh, and from July 10-16, 2024, at the Capital-Provincial Department of Environment.According to the ministry, As of July 9 evening, all General Departments of the Ministry of Environment, 25 Capital-Provincial Departments of Environment, Community Partner Organisations, Protected Areas, and booths featuring Khmer products have been organised with exhibitions and the distribution of seedlings for people to plant in homes, schools, pagodas, public places, and private places for free.This initiative aims to promote awareness of tree planting to increase green cover in Cambodia and encourage participation in biodiversity conservation from all stakeholders, in line with the environmental strategy focusing on three strategic angles: clean, green, and sustainable.In the evening of the same day, H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, and Lok Chumteav inspected the exhibition booths and distributed seedlings under the theme "Green Sprouts." The public is invited to participate in this exhibition event in large numbers, especially to receive a variety of seedlings to plant at home for free.
Preparation For Construction Of A Bridge Crossing Mekong River On Track
Phnom Penh, July 09, 2024 —The preparation of a construction project of a bridge crossing the Mekong River is well on track, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the contractor for the project, has already prepared locations for office operations, machinery warehouses, and storage of construction materials.The firm is building a temporary port that is now 80 percent complete to transport construction materials to the construction site. Situated to the southeast of Phnom Penh, the 3,700-metre bridge with a 120-metre flyover will link the western Xi Jinping Boulevard and the future Phnom Penh-Bavet expressway.The construction project was estimated to cost US$230 million (of the national budget) and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Information Ministry Enters Into Cooperation MoU With Commerce Ministry
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.
Hosting Francophonie Summit To Reflect Cambodia’s Commitment To Values Of Francophonie
Phnom Penh, July 08, 2024 --The Francophonie Summit is a prestigious event to demonstrate Cambodia's cultural heritage and her commitment to the values of Francophonie.The remarks were made by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, at the opening ceremony of France-Cambodia Business Forum in Phnom Penh this morning, reconfirming Cambodia’s candidacy to host the 20th Francophonie Summit in 2026 in the historic city of Siem Reap.“The summit is an opportunity to showcase our country's achievements, promote our cultural and linguistic diversity, and strengthen ties with other Francophone countries,” he underlined.The Premier added that the final decision on Cambodia's candidacy will be made in October this year.France expressed its support and encouragement for Cambodia to host the Francophonie Summit in 2026, during the meeting between His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia and the French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Presidential Palace in Paris on Nov. 13, 2023.Besides, the French Senate, the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), etc. have also voiced their support for Cambodia’s candidacy.The Francophonie Summit is the highest authority in the Francophonie. It is held every two years and gathers the heads of State/Governments of all member states.Currently, the International Organisation of La Francophonie comprises 88 member states and governments (54 full members, 7 associate members and 27 observer members).
KOICA Continues Support For Cambodia’s Human Resource Development
Phnom Penh, July 03, 2024 —The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has continued its support to building Cambodia’s human resources through construction of library, stressing that “building the library nurtures the potential human capital needed for Cambodia's development and economic growth.”Early this week, KOICA Cambodia Office joined an opening ceremony of the Volunteer On-site Project “Establishing the Library at the National Polytechnic Institute Techo Sen” in Kandal province.This project aims to enhance the library environment at the National Polytechnic Institute Techo Sen Kandal, said KOICA, adding that this initiative provides access to 1,000 technical books, and school facilities such as 7 computers, 3 copy machines, etc.The goal is to cultivate student’s skills and improve the capabilities of teachers, and students in this institution.“KOICA Cambodia Office firmly believes that this Volunteer On-site Project will significantly contribute to youth empowerment and human resource development in Cambodia,” the source underlined.
Cambodia, South Korea Discuss Digital Education Cooperation
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.