Cambodia, Malaysia Meet on Transport Connectivity and Infrastructure
On the morning of Monday, May 20, 2024, HE Peng Po, Minister of Public Works and Transport, received a delegation led by HE Shaharuddin Onn, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Cambodia, meet courtesy and discuss work with the participation of Lok Chumteav, His Excellency, leaders and other relevant officials.This morning's meeting was held in order to strengthen and deepen the diplomatic cooperation between Cambodia and Malaysia.Through this meeting, the Minister and the Ambassador discussed a number of issues related to connectivity and transport infrastructure, including the improvement of existing railways in Cambodia, water transport and training of human capital in the field of public works and transportation, especially on railway skills, by sending civil servants to participate in various training courses in Malaysia in the past.On this occasion, HE Minister together with HE Ambassador also presented the Certificate of Education to 4 Civil Servants of the Department of Railways who completed the Railway Construction Skills Training in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Cambodia received more than $ 1.2 billion in FDI inflows, mostly from Chinese sources
In the first four months of 2024, Cambodia received a total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow of 1.23 billion US dollars, mostly led by Chinese sources. This is according to data from the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC). According to the above data calculated by CNC, the main sources of foreign direct investment are from China about 1.08 billion US dollars (87.89%), Singapore 70 million US dollars (5,68%), Vietnam 49 million US dollars (3.98%), South Korea 11 million US dollars (0.89%), United States 10 million US dollars (0.81%), Malaysia 6 million US dollars (0.48%) And India 3 million US dollars (0.24%).Speaking at the opening ceremony of the "Cambodia International Trade Fair 2024" last week, Mr. Vongsey Visoth, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, spoke about the surprising growth of investment in Cambodia in the first four months of the year as of these, more than 90 percent of foreign direct investment flows focused on manufacturing investment projects, which differed from the previous 19 Kovid crisis, mostly in the financial and real estate sectors.The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that this is the hope of Cambodia's new economic momentum, which will be stronger in the long run, as most of the investment is in non-garment manufacturing activities such as electronics manufacturing, data center establishment and car assembly and assembly plants, which reflect the proud progress of the restructuring of the Cambodian economy due to the increase in higher value-added activities.It should be noted that in the first four months of this year, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) approved 128 investment projects with a total investment of 2.513 million US dollars, an increase of 97% and 327%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.Notably, domestic investment sources account for about 51% and foreign direct investment for about 49%. However, more than 90 percent of the total investment projects are focused on the industrial sector with a total investment of US $ 1,170 million, while investment projects in infrastructure and other sectors amounted to US $ 687 million, investment projects in agriculture and agro-industry amounted to 66.61 million US dollars and investment projects in tourism amounted to 588.9 million US dollars.
11,622 Voters Registered For Capital, Provincial, Municipal, District And Khan Councils Election
Phnom Penh, May 11, 2024 --The National Election Committee has finalised the updated list of 11,622 voters for the 4th Election of Capital, Provincial, Municipal, District, and Khan Councils on May 26.H.E. Hang Puthea, an NEC member, chaired here on May 10 a meeting to conclude the update, adding that the voters will cast their ballots at 209 assigned stations across Cambodia.The assigned team, he added, will start distributing voter information cards from May 11 to 15.Eligible voters can visit the NEC website voterlist.nec.gov.kh and the mobile app “NEC KH” to check for the same information.H.E. Hang Puthea called on concerned local authorities at all levels, participating political parties, relevant civil society organisations, the media, and other stakeholders to carry out their respective professional and responsible roles to make the election run smoothly.
Cambodia, Qatar Discuss Educational And Scientific Cooperation
Phnom Penh, May 08, 2024 --Cambodia and Qatar have discussed deeper bilateral cooperation in the education and science sectors.The discussion took place between H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports, and H.E. Khalid Ali Abdullah Abel, the non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Cambodia, in Phnom Penh on May 6.The two sides also reviewed the process of preparing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in higher education and science research between Cambodia and Qatar.H.E. Khalid Ali Abdullah Abel was impressed with Cambodia's education progress and optimistic that more Cambodian youths will participate in events and training in Qatar.H.E. Hang Chuon Naron spoke highly of the contribution of the Government of Qatar to Cambodia’s development in all sectors, especially in education.He thanked H.E. Khalid Ali Abdullah Abel for his willingness to expand cooperation by accepting Cambodian students, teachers, and education staff for the education and training programme.
Thbong Khmum To Become Home Of Cambodia’s Largest Nursery
Phnom Penh, May 07, 2024 --Cambodia’s first regional nursery with a production capacity of more than one million seedlings annually will emerge in Thbong Khmum province.According to the Ministry of Environment, the nursery was initiated by H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, and it will be located in village 44, Preah Theat commune, O’ Raing Ov district.Equipped with a solar-powered automatic irrigation system, the first large-scale nursery in Cambodia will be able to secure 1.2 million seedlings per year.The regional nursery will help expand Cambodia’s forest cover by 60 percent through the engagement of the public in order to achieve a carbon-neutral country by 2050.The effort is in line with the Royal Government’s Environmental Chakra Strategy 2023–2028 to ensure the protection, preservation, and conservation of the country's natural resources.Cambodia has 73 protected areas covering more than 7 million hectares, equivalent to 40 percent of the country’s total land area.
Kampot International Tourism Port To Be Officially Inaugurated By Year’s End
Phnom Penh, May 06, 2024 --Kampot International Tourism Port (KITP), located in Teuk Chhou district of Kampot province on an area of 4.5 hectares, will be put into temporary use in the third quarter of 2024 and into official use at the end of this year to welcome increasing number of national and international tourists and boost the national economy.The information was shared by H.E. PENG Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, in a discussion about the progress of KITP development with H.E. Pen Bona, Minister Delegate and Head of the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit posted on the ministry’s Facebook page on May 5.The minister continued that KITP, whose construction began in Aug. 8, 2018 and ended in June 30, 2022, was a part of tourism infrastructure development project under an ADB’s financing of US$9.27 million.Even though the construction was completed, the port has not yet been put into use because an operation company with enough investment capital (from US$5 to US$10 million) and experience to dig deeper and wider waterway are required along with more detailed study of navigation techniques, installation of navigation aids, and investment in the port’s safety infrastructure to ensure that KITP becomes a full tourism port in accordance with national and international standards, H.E. Minister explained.H.E. PENG Ponea continued that once in operation, KITP will give many benefits such as creating new international seaport for the country for connection from archipelagos in Cambodia to countries in the region and the world, increasing trust among local and international visitors, providing job opportunities and more incomes for local people and enterprises, as well as supporting key policies and measures of the Royal Government to promote tourism sector, augmenting national economic profit and so on.The minister further added that, though Cambodia has now a total of 119 ports and port terminals, of which two are international ports – Phnom Penh Autonomous Port & Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, 88 along the river, and 31 at coastal areas, they have still not met the real needs of the country' geographical areas.In this regard, H.E. PENG Ponea said transport ministry has also been preparing Cambodia port master plan 2050.
Metfone Donates $120,000 To The Cambodian Red Cross
In celebration of the 161st anniversary of the establishment of the World Red Cross, Metfone has extended its congratulations and donated $100,000 to the Cambodian Red Cross, and $20,000 to the Cambodian Red Cross branch, Siem Reap. Faced with the unpredictable challenges of the global, regional, and domestic environments, including environmental impacts, climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, and conflicts, the Cambodian Red Cross has been increasingly innovative and effective in its humanitarian activities. It has achieved significant results in assisting vulnerable groups within the community. In order to accompany and support the Red Cross in its activities, as well as to provide additional funding for its humanitarian mission, benefiting many people in the community to improve their lives, Metfone has donated $100,000 to the Cambodian Red Cross and $20,000 to its Siem Reap branch. This is Metfone's annual commitment to social and community activities. Over the years, alongside its business activities, Metfone has always been conscious of its social responsibility to the people of Cambodia. The company has actively participated and collaborated with the government and various organizations in volunteer activities, organizing numerous humanitarian programs, with the aim of contributing to community happiness and the construction and development of Cambodia. Mr. Nhong Dinthan, Deputy CEO of Metfone, shared: "On this occasion, I would like to express our appreciation for the activities and accomplishments of the Red Cross in the past. Metfone believes and hopes to accompany the Red Cross in achieving its set goals, contributing to bringing life, faith, and happiness to those in need within the community."
Cambodia Calls For Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza
Phnom Penh, May 03, 2024 --The Kingdom of Cambodia through her Permanent Mission to the United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, after more than six months into the war, leaving unimaginable innocent death toll and suffering.At the 75th Plenary meeting under Use of the veto – Item 63: Special report of the Security Council in New York on May 1, H.E. Mao Tithiarun, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative, Chargé d’affaires, a.i, of Cambodia to the United Nations, said the Kingdom acknowledges the five Resolutions, two adopted by the emergency special session of the General Assembly and three adopted by the Security Council; the most recent one is Resolution 2728 (2024). Getting these resolutions was hard work, but the most important thing is to expedite the implementation.In this sense, he continued, Cambodia calls upon all relevant parties to the conflict to strictly implement these resolutions in order to save people's lives and achieve a ceasefire, especially to prevent spillover in the region.H.E. Mao Tithiarun added that it is high time to seek and address the root causes of the Palestine-Israel conflict so that the two nations can live in harmony. Cambodia fully supports all parties involved in exercising utmost restraint, engaging in constructive dialogue, and resolving their conflicts through diplomacy and peaceful means to end the humanitarian crisis and achieve permanent peace.“Cambodia emphasises the significance of upholding the principles of the two-state solution. Despite the current non-adoption of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution, Cambodia acknowledges its responsibility in granting full membership to the State of Palestine. This development not only benefits both nations and their peoples but also contributes to peaceful coexistence and progress in the entire region,” he underlined.The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the United Nations once again urged all sides to reach a ceasefire without further delay in order to allow humanitarian access for the delivery of essential aid to those in need, and joined others in calling for the unconditional release of all hostages.
Intellectual Property, A Key Tool To Promote Trade, New Businesses And FDI
Phnom Penh, May 02, 2024 --Intellectual property is an essential tool for promoting trade in goods and services, new businesses and micro, small and medium enterprises, and foreign direct investment (FDI) through value added, commercialisation, creation of source of finance, innovation promotion, and research and development through technology transfer.The remarks were made by H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce and Chair of the National Committee for Intellectual Property, while she and H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, were presiding over the World Intellectual Property Day 2024, at Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh on April 30.The commerce minister also requested all stakeholders to work together to prevent intellectual property infringement, which is an obstacle to innovation, and strongly hoped that the Intellectual Property Day 2024 will continue to cultivate a common spirit in promoting awareness raising campaigns, which is closely linked to the people’s lives and benefits all areas of society.For his part, H.E. Hem Vanndy spoke highly of the World Intellectual Property Day, saying that it serves as an important platform to raise awareness about intellectual property, technological advancement and innovation among the public, especially innovators, researchers, and students.At the end of the celebration, H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul and H.E. Hem Vanndy presided over the launching ceremony of five intellectual property-related projects, including: 1) Inclusive Growth Project: Promoting Cambodian Entrepreneurs with Disabilities through Intellectual Property Education and Business Branding, (2) Project for Skill-based Learning and Mentoring for Design School, (3) Launch of IP Web Application, (4) Launch of Distance Learning Platform on Intellectual Property, and (5) Launch of Intellectual Property Analysis Programme for Business.This year’s celebration of the World Intellectual Property Day 2024 was held under the theme “IP and SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity.”
H.E. TOUCH Sopharath And Mr. Mario Ronconi Co-Chaired The Subgroup On Cooperation On The Sideline Of The 12th Cambodia-EU Joint Committee
On 24 April 2024 in Brussels, Belgium, Her Excellency TOUCH Sopharath, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, and Mr. Mario Ronconi, Head of Unit of Directorate General of International Partnerships of the European Union, co-chaired the Subgroup on Cooperation on the sideline of the 12th Cambodia-EU Joint Committee.During the meeting, both sides took stock of the overall strategic framework of cooperation partnership of Multi-Annual Indicative Plan (MIP) 2021-2024.The meeting also discussed Cambodia’s priorities for 2025-2027 and ways to align the EU’s support with the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1 through a wide range of cooperation areas, including public financial management, social protection, agriculture and natural resources, education and skill development, industrial value chains, Global Gateway (sustainable and trusted connections that work for people and the planet) and investments, environment and climate change, ASEAN cooperation, civil society, youth and gender.
Next Week’s Job Forum To Offer 5,400 Vacancies
Phnom Penh, April 30, 2024 --A job forum, scheduled from May. 9-10, plans to offer 5,400 vacancies for potential youths and workers interested.The two-day job fair will take place from 08:00 to 17:00 at the KAMPUS building in Phnom Penh.It is organised by the National Employment Agency (NEA) of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training in cooperation with hiring agencies.Interested candidates can seek further details of the employment opportunities during the fair and file their application for the job they are interested in instantly.
Sultan Of Brunei To Pay A Short Visit To Cambodia Early Next Week
Phnom Penh, April 27, 2024 --His Majesty Sultan Haji HASSANAL BOLKIAH MU'IZZADDIN WADDAULAH, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, will pay a short visit to Cambodia next week to have breakfast with Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia.“If nothing changes, on the night of April 29, the Sultan of Brunei will arrive in Cambodia. I will welcome him at the airport in person and accompany him to the hotel,” wrote Samdech Techo Hun Sen on his official Facebook page this morning, recalling that in 2011 when he went to Brunei, the Sultan drove by himself to welcome him at the airport and accompany him to the hotel as well.“The purpose of his (the Sultan of Brunei) visit is to come and have breakfast with me who he treats as the youngest brother,” he continued. “There are three brothers, the eldest is the Sultan of Brunei, the second is H.E. Thaksin Shinawatra (former prime minister of Thailand), and I’m the youngest.”According to Samdech Techo Hun Sen, there will be no official meeting. For the breakfast on April 30, the Sultan will be accompanied by his son, Prince Mateen, while Samdech Techo Hun Sen by his three sons – Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, H.E. Hun Manith, and H.E. Hun Many.After the breakfast, Samdech Techo Hun Sen will see the Sultan of Brunei off at the airport.
Cambodia Requests The U.S. To Continue Capacity Building Support
Phnom Penh, April 25, 2024 --Cambodia has asked the United States of America to continue to support capacity building, especially that of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC)’s officials.The request was made by H.E. SUN Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and CDC First Vice President, while he was receiving a farewell visit from H.E. W. Patrick Murphy, U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, at the CDC headquarters on April 24.H.E. SUN Chanthol praised the outgoing ambassador for successfully fulfilling his mission in strengthening the bilateral relations and cooperation between Cambodia and the U.S. and in contributing to building the capacity of Cambodian youths.The Cambodian DPM also exposed his plan to visit the U.S. in the near future to attract American investors to the Kingdom.For his part, H.E. W. Patrick Murphy mentioned the foundation of Cambodia-U.S. relations under the Foreign Assistance framework such as USAID (United States Agency for International Development) which has contributed to building Cambodian youths’ capacity, and thus to achieving Cambodia’s goal as an upper middle-income economy by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050.The U.S. diplomat spoke highly of Cambodia’s success in welcoming the visit of U.S. President H.E. Joe Biden and in hosting the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in 2022.
Siem Reap Hosts Joint Cambodia-China Martial Arts Performances
Siem Reap, April 24, 2024—Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism H.E. Sok Soken (Pic. 1) and visiting H.E. Sun Shougang (Pic. 2), Member of the Standing Committee of CPC Henan Provincial Committee and Deputy Governor of Henan Province, deliver their remarks while were presiding over the “Cambodia-China Cultural Tourism Exhibition” along with “When Shaolin Meets Bokator at Angkor Event”, jointly organised at the Northern Part of Bayon Temple in Siem Reap province on April 24 by Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, and the People’s Administration of Henan Province with an aim to promote tourism between Siem Reap province and Henan province as well as to contribute to successful implementation of “Visit Siem Reap 2024” and “Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024”.
CPP And LPRP To Continue Strengthening Friendship And Cooperation
Phnom Penh, April 24, 2024 --The ruling political parties of Cambodia and Laos this morning agreed to further strengthen their friendship, solidarity and cooperation for the benefit of both countries’ people.The commitment was made known in a press release issued after the 14th Meeting between the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), held at the January 7 Palace in Phnom Penh under the co-chairmanship of CPP President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and LPRP General Secretary H.E. Thongloun Sisoulith.The meeting was held in a warm, friendly, understanding and trusting atmosphere to continue to deepen the bonds of solidarity, traditional friendship and cooperation in all fields between the two parties and countries.The two sides highly appreciated and welcomed the steady development of solidarity, traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries, which have been upgraded to the level of comprehensive and long-lasting strategic partnership.They exchanged information on the overall regional and international situation, the emerging situation of each party and country, the bilateral relations and cooperation in the regional and international framework, as well as the direction of cooperation between the two parties.Both sides agreed to continue to strengthen the friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two parties and the two countries, as well as between the three countries – Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam – for the national benefit of the three countries and their peoples to contribute to the cause of peace, stability, friendship, cooperation and development in the Mekong subregion, as well as regionally and globally.They praised the results of the implementation of the spirit of the 13th CPP-LPRP Summit in Vientiane on Feb. 14, 2023, which have greatly contributed to the promotion of the solidarity, traditional friendship, cooperation and mutual support between both countries’ parties, parliaments, governments and mass organisations.The two sides also agreed to hold the 15th CPP-LPRP Meeting in Laos next year.
Cambodian PM Leaves For High-Level Opening Of UN-ESCAP’s 80th Session In Bangkok
Phnom Penh, April 22, 2024 --Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, departed here this morning for Bangkok, Thailand to attend the high-level opening of the eightieth session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).The Premier was seen off at Phnom Penh International Airport by deputy prime ministers, senior ministers, and many other senior government officials.According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at the invitation of H.E. Dr. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the ESCAP, Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister will deliver a special address at the high-level opening of the eightieth session of the Commission.Under the theme "Leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific", the annual session will deliberate about the potential of digital technology and ways to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing emerging global challenges and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet is accompanied by H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and President of the National Committee for ESCAP, and H.E. Chea Vandeth, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, along with key government officials.
Cambodia, Timor-Leste Sign Education Cooperation Deal
Phnom Penh, April 11, 2024 --Senior officials of the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports (MoEYS) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Culture (MoHESC) of Timor-Leste have vowed deeper education cooperation.The commitment was highlighted at the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Higher Education and Science Cooperation between H.E. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MoEYS, and H.E. José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, Minister of MoHESC in Phnom Penh on April 9.According to H.E. Hang Chuon Naron, the deal will allow the exchange of experiences and mobility of students, teachers, researchers, scholars, and publishers between the two countries.It will also encourage joint research in higher education to build capacity and human resource development.H.E. José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo said that the MoU is a new step in the education partnership between the two countries.He thanked the Cambodian government for the cooperation and looked forward to its results.
Cambodia, China Discuss Enhancement Of ASEAN-China Partnership
Phnom Penh, April 11, 2024 --Strengthening ASEAN-China partnership was the topic of discussion between H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Integrational Cooperation, and H.E. Ms. Hou Yanqi, Ambassador of China to ASEAN, at the ministry here early this week.According to press release of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation released on April 10, both sides commended the good momentum of ASEAN-China relations, recalled decisions by leaders on the establishment of the meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2001, and welcomed 2024 as the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges. They further looked forward to successful implementation of activities and projects to deepen and broaden connections and promote interactions between the two sides.H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea underlined the salience of the “ASEAN Way” – consultation and consensus-based decision-making enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, stressing the uniqueness of the association, and preserved it centrality and unity in relations with partners.The Cambodian top diplomate also thanked China for extensive support to ASEAN community-building efforts.On Cambodia-China front, H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea highly appreciated the significant contribution of China’s Global Development Initiative and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to Cambodia’s socio-economic development over the years.Besides, he stressed the importance of the “diamond cooperation” framework between Cambodia and China, notably in the fields of agriculture, energy and people-to-people exchanges, as well as highly valued China’s continued support for Cambodia’s development.For his part, H.E. Ms. Hou Yanqi cherished Cambodia’s active role in ASEAN community-building and acknowledged the importance of ASEAN in maintaining peace, security, stability, and enhancing growth in the region.The Chinese ambassador took the opportunity to reaffirm China’s firm support and respect for ASEAN centrality and unity, and underscored China’s strong commitment to quality cooperation with Cambodia under the BRI.Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern, including Mekong-Lancang Cooperation.
Cambodian Memorial Sites: From Centres Of Repression To Places Of Peace And Reflection
Phnom Penh, April 10, 2024 --[Cambodian Memorial Sites: From Centres of Repression to Places of Peace and Reflection (M-13, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Choeung Ek Genocidal Center) to Receive Support from KOICA]The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) convened a wrap-up meeting at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum on April 9 with representatives from the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MCFA) and UNESCO Cambodia Office.According to a KOICA’s press release, this meeting marked the successful conclusion of the project formulation study mission for the second phase of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Archives Preservation and Digitisation Project, also known as the Peace Education, Archives Preservation and Digitisation, and Site Conservation for Youth Empowerment (PEACE) project.Building on the achievements of the first feasibility study conducted in early 2023, the recently completed mission, held from April 3 to 9, 2024, focused on developing a detailed plan for the project. This plan outlines clear objectives, the scope of KOICA's support, and an initial implementation schedule. The project aligns with Cambodia’s recent nomination for inscription on the World Heritage List of Cambodian Memorial Sites: From Centres of Repression to Places of Peace and Reflection.The meeting was presided over by H.E. HAB Touch, Secretary of State of MCFA, Ms. CHOI Moon Jung, Country Director of KOICA Cambodia Office, and Mr. ALAM Sardar Umar, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia.The upcoming step will include the signing of a Record of Discussions (RoD) between KOICA and MCFA, as well as a Grant Arrangement between KOICA and UNESCO. This significant event is scheduled to take place in May this year, marking the commencement of project implementation.The project, funded by a Korean government grant of US$3 million for five years (2024-2028), will further develop Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and related sites as a centre of excellence for peace and global citizenship education, and demonstrate it as a model memorial site for learning and youth empowerment to promote peace.
MRC Says Trend In Tonle Sap’s Reverse Flow ‘Still Alarming’
Phnom Penh, April 08, 2024 --The Mekong River Commission (MRC) says the trend in the annual reverse flow of the Tonle Sap River during the wet season remains disturbing.In his annual State of the Mekong address, Anoulak Kittikhoun — Chief Executive of the MRC Secretariat in Vientiane — said the Mekong had “changed dramatically, for better and worse” over the past five to ten years.Speaking in the Lao capital on Friday, Dr Anoulak noted rapid growth in the region, with the economy of the Lower Mekong Basin in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam valued at US$63 billion.“All Mekong countries have made considerable progress in enhancing living standards and well-being,” he said.Food availability and access to drinking water, basic sanitation, and electricity have “increased across the board.” At the same time, “rates of malnutrition and water-related diseases have decreased.”But Dr. Anoulak said hydrological and meteorological conditions suffered a “rollercoaster” last year — with drought in the central part of the Lower Mekong in the dry season and historically low water flows in the wet season.TONLE SAP: LATER, SMALLER AND SHORTER REVERSE FLOWS SINCE 2020“This continued to impact the reverse flow into the Tonle Sap,” he said.From mid-August last year, the reverse flow reached its minimum acceptable level. “But the trend is still alarming,” the Lao chief executive said.“Since 2020, the reverse flow always happens late, it expands way less than it should, and lasts much shorter than usual.”The reverse flow refers to the huge volume of water flowing down the Mekong pushing the flow of the Tonle Sap River “upstream” towards the Tonle Sap Lake in the middle part of the wet season.The flow returns to normal in the early dry season as similarly huge volumes of water flow out of the lake towards the Mekong.‘SIGNIFICANT SEDIMENT DROP’ IN CAMBODIA AND VIETNAMOn sediment flows, Dr. Anoulak said the MRC observed “some stability or slight reduction” between Chiang Saen in northern Thailand and Kratie in eastern Cambodia.“We are concerned, however, with a significant sediment drop further downstream,” he said.Since 2009, the chief executive said, sediment flows have plunged 70 percent in Phnom Penh and 50 percent in the Vietnamese town of Tan Chau — across the border from Leuk Daek district in Kandal province.Moreover, “in the Mekong Delta, a recent study finds that 35 to 55 million cubic meters of sand are being taken out compared to only 2 to 4 million cubic meters that are naturally going in.”Dr. Anoulak said changes in flows, sediment and salinity intrusion “have not seriously affected the overall water quality" of the Mekong. Of 22 measuring sites, 15 are rated “excellent” and 5 are “good”.FISHERIES FACE ‘SIGNIFICANT THREATS’ ACROSS BASINBut “wild fisheries in general are facing significant threats throughout the basin from overexploitation, drought, and infrastructure barriers.”The Tonle Sap system along with the Sekong, Sesan and Srepok rivers in northeast Cambodia are suffering “declining species and catch,” he said. "But we cannot blame one factor alone.”The chief executive said MRC data showed “stability in fish abundance in other parts of the basin” — namely from the Chinese-Lao border to Khammouane in central Laos as well as in the Mekong Delta.On fisheries management, Dr. Anoulak announced a U.S.$12 million investment from the Global Environment Fund "to improve value chains, reconnect swim ways, and offer viable livelihood alternatives.”He said the MRC also had a US$16 million commitment from Germany for ecosystems and livelihoods, and would announce new funding from Canada, Germany, South Korea and the United States later this year.‘NEED TO LOOK NORTH, SOUTH AND BEYOND’Dr. Anoulak said the four Lower Mekong countries “need to look north, south and beyond” at the same time, highlighting the importance of strong ties with China, Myanmar and the rest of ASEAN.After signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Indonesia earlier this year, “we hope other non-Mekong ASEAN member states will follow and become partners of the MRC.”As part of MRC-ASEAN cooperation, Dr Anoulak pointed to the upcoming Second ASEAN-MRC Water Security Dialogue in September, ahead of the ASEAN and Related Summits to be hosted by Laos in October.“In the future, there will be special MRC Summits on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summits,” he said.The MOU signed with Indonesia in January focuses on areas like water-resource management, irrigation, climate change, disaster-risk management, fisheries and tourism.At the signing, a senior Indonesian diplomat said: “Indonesia recognizes the importance of the Mekong river basin to the Mekong countries and broader ASEAN region.”