PRESS RELEASE: Global Finance’s Central Banker Report Cards 2024
Global Finance magazine has released the names of Central Bank Governors who earned the highest grades, “A+”, “A” or “A-”, in the Central Banker Report Cards 2024. The full Central Banker Report Cards 2024 grade list will appear in Global Finance’s October print and digital editions as well as online at GFMag.com.The Central Banker Report Cards, published annually by Global Finance since 1994, grade the central bank governors of nearly 100 key countries, territories and districts, as well as the European Union, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Bank of Central African States and the Central Bank of West African States.Grades are based on an “A+” to “F” scale for success in areas such as inflation control, economic growth goals, currency stability and interest rate management. (“A” represents an excellent performance, down through “F” for outright failure.)“Central bankers have waged war against inflation over the past few years, wielding their primary weapon: higher interest rates. Now, countries around the world are witnessing the tangible results of these efforts, as inflation has dropped significantly,” said Global Finance founder and editorial director Joseph Giarraputo. “Global Finance’s annual Central Banker Report Cards honor those bank leaders whose strategies outperformed their peers through originality, creativity and tenacity.” Published by Korn Chamnan
Journalists Share Perspectives for Lancang-Mekong Cooperation
Phnom Penh, August 21, 2024 --A group of professional journalists from Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) countries gathered in Nangqian county, Yushu city, for a media tour aimed at fostering collaboration and discussing ways to contribute to the region’s river development.The tour provided an opportunity for journalists to witness firsthand the region’s ecological achievements and socio-economic progress.They visited local communities, interacted with residents, and explored the stunning landscapes of the Lancang River basin and the origin of Mekong River in Zaduo county and Nangqian county in the province.During discussions in a tent talk session held on Aug. 20 in Nangqian county, journalists exchanged perspectives on the role of media in promoting regional cooperation and sustainable development.They emphasised the importance of accurate and balanced reporting to build trust and understanding among LMC countries.The information sharing is importance for cross-border collaboration in enhancing LMC cooperation, particularly in fighting against fake news, said Pa Chetha, Deputy Director-General of Freshnews from Cambodia.“By sharing stories and experiences, we can highlight the common challenges and opportunities facing our region and inspire joint efforts to address them," he said in the talk.The journalists also discussed the potential of media to facilitate people-to-people exchanges and promote cultural diversity.They agreed on the need to create more platforms for collaboration, such as joint reporting projects and media exchanges.Jointly organised by Yushu Prefecture Committee of the CPC, Yushu Prefecture Government, China New Service Qinghai Branch and other organisations, the 2024 Lancang-Mekong International Photo and Video Week was held from Aug. 18 to 21, 2024 in Yushu city, Ginghai province.It is aimed to bring LMC media to Yushu, the original place of Mekong River, to share stories, exchange culture, learn about the progress in economic development and ecological system protection, and enhance media cooperation, contributing to building a shared future for the Lancang-Mekong River basin.
Mpox scientist makes chilling 'new global outbreak' prediction after 'concerning development'
A leading scientist has warned that a "new global outbreak" of monkeypox is imminent.The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern that monkeypox, also known as mpox, could spread across international borders following its discovery in Sweden today. According to WHO, there have been more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in Africa this year, surpassing previous year's total.The new strain, clade 1, is proliferating, which concerns medical specialists. Dr Brian Ferguson, Associate Professor of Immunology at the University of Cambridge, stated, "The discovery of a case of mpox disease caused by clade 1 mpox virus in Sweden is definitely a troubling development. Given the intensity and scope of the outbreak in Africa, it is unsurprising that this case has migrated to Europe via international travel.So date, more than 96% of all cases and deaths have occurred in a single country: the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa. However, the number of instances has increased significantly. Last Monday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that mpox has been found in at least 13 African countries. According to the organization, cases are up 160% over the same period last year, while deaths are up 19%.Dr Ferguson continued, "The timing of this case comes less than 24 hours after the WHO's PHEIC declaration and only 15 months after the WHO ended the previous mpox PHEIC in May 2023." The lack of activity in the intervening years may have resulted in a new global outbreak. There should have been a stronger effort to make and distribute vaccines in the afflicted areas, but this did not occur. It is conceivable to solve these challenges, but it will require immediate international cooperation."Sweden's public health office reported the first occurrence of the novel mpox variety in someone who had recently visited Africa and sought medical attention in Stockholm. Officials stated that the risk to the general public was "very low" and that sporadic imported instances will remain.
Court removes Prime Minister Srettha from office in another ruling shaking up Thailand's politics
BANGKOK : Thailand's Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office on Wednesday for an ethical violation, shaking up Thai politics after ordering the dissolution of the main opposition party a week earlier.The 5-4 decision ousted Srettha from office immediately over a case involving his appointment of a Cabinet member who was imprisoned in connection with an alleged bribery attempt.The Cabinet will serve as a caretaker until Parliament appoints a new Prime Minister. The vote is slated for Friday, but there is no time limit to fill the job. The caretaker Cabinet might potentially dissolve Parliament and hold new elections.Srettha stated that he appreciated the decision and that he always tried to act ethically during his less than a year in office. "I'm sorry that I'd be considered as a prime minister who's unethical, but I'd like to insist that I believe that is not who I am," stated the premier.Phumtham Wechayachai of Srettha's Pheu Thai party, who serves as first deputy prime minister and commerce minister, is set to become interim prime minister.The progressive Move Forward Party, which won last year's general election, was dissolved last week by the Constitutional Court after it proposed a revision to a rule prohibiting defamation of the country's royal family. The party has already reformed as the People's Party.The petition against Srettha was initiated by former members of the military-installed Senate who had refused to approve Move Forward’s prime ministerial candidate when the party was attempting to form a government after its election victory. It was seen as a move favoring a pro-military political party in his coalition government.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran
Hamas on Wednesday (July 31) claimed that its leader Ismail Haniyeh had been killed in Tehran, Iran.In its statement, Hamas mourned the death of Haniyeh, who was killed in a Zionist (Israeli) raid on his home in Tehran.The statement added that Haniyeh had been killed in a Zionist attack on his headquarters in Tehran after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.Meanwhile, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards also acknowledged on Wednesday that the Hamas leader had been killed in Tehran along with one of his bodyguards. "The home of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of the Islamic State of Islam, has been attacked in Tehran, killing him and one of his bodyguards," the Revolutionary Guards said.But Israel did not immediately return a call seeking comment. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards confirmed that the cause of Haniyeh's death was under investigation and could be announced soon.
Cambodia, the Philippines to Tighten Army Cooperation
Phnom Penh, July 29, 2024 --Cambodia and the Philippines have vowed to further strengthen and expand the cooperation between their armies.The commitment was made in a meeting here at the Peace Palace this morning between Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and visiting H.E. Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido, Commander of the Philippine Army.On the occasion, both sides lauded the fruitful development of relations and cooperation between both countries’ armies, and exchanged views to further foster the cooperation through the continuation of joint training, human resource training, information sharing and experience exchange.The discussion also touched on the cooperation in the fight against cybercrime, capacity building, preparedness for disaster relief operations and humanitarian assistance, as well as the promotion of unit-to-unit cooperation of the two countries' armies in the future.H.E. Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido expressed his optimism and commitment to further strengthen and broaden the cooperation between the Philippine and Cambodian armies.For his part, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet spoke highly of the joint training that has contributed to further building capacity and mutual understanding in preparedness to respond to eventual non-traditional threats.
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.
Cambodia-China Joint Naval Exercise: Not A Threat
Phnom Penh, May 28, 2024 -- Cambodia has reiterated a strong message that the Cambodia-China joint naval exercise is not a threat to any country.The Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) H.E. General Ith Sarath voiced the message when presiding over the conclusion of the drill, called Golden Dragon Naval Exercise 2024, on May 27.The joint exercise, he said, aimed to exchange experiences between the navies of the two countries to further enhance their capabilities in the fight against terrorism at sea.On behalf of the Ministry of National Defence, H.E. General Ith Sarath highly valued the active participation of the two navies, resulting in a successful naval exercise.He thanked the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration and all concerned parties for their cooperation and facilitation of the event, though it was the first for Cambodia.The deputy commander-in-chief also advised the Cambodian and Chinese navies to continue good cooperation and exchange of experience.The 12-day Golden Dragon Naval Exercise 2024 took place in Preah Sihanouk province with the participation of over 780 Cambodian and Chinese navies.
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.
Ministries Of Information And Inspection Sign MoU On News And Events Broadcasting Cooperation
PPhnom Penh, March 22, 2024 --Ministry of Information (MoINFO) and Ministry of Inspection have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on News and Events Broadcasting Cooperation to allow the latter to collaborate and broadcast her contents of information via all kinds of media outlets of the former such as the Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP), National Radio of Cambodia (NRK), National Television of Cambodia (TVK), App MoINFO, and so on.The signing ceremony of the MoU was held between H.E. NETH Pheaktra, Minister of Information, and H.E. HUOT Hak, Minister of Inspection, at the MoINFO office on Mar. 22.On the occasion, H.E. NETH Pheaktra mentioned that, through the above-mentioned MoU, the MoINFO would help the Ministry of Inspection to broadcast information and participate in supporting contents, so that the latter could send messages such as her activities and affairs, law explanation and keys to law-related implementation to the public, as well as receive information and feedback from fellow citizens to strengthen the rule of law in Cambodia.Law enforcement can be done unless people understand about the law, H.E. Minister underlined.H.E. NETH Pheaktra added that the MoU would lay a foundation to strengthen inspection affairs and participate in fulfilling duty as the public media outlets of the MoINFO, as well as be a framework to strengthen affairs among ministries to achieve the common goal to serve the public with responsibility, a testimony that both ministries have implemented the policy and guidance of the 7th-mandate Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), and was also a model to other institutions to show the public about real servants of the citizens through cooperation and solidarity, by reaffirming that the MoINFO would try her best to further collaborate with existing and other ministries/institutions.‘‘The MoU shows how to work, and maturity of how to work of ministries, and carry out the recommendations of Prime Minister of Cambodia, further strengthens the Ministry of Inspection’s work in order to both promote herself and receive information from the public which was a foundation to effectively fulfill tasks from the RGC, so that our society has transparency, accountability, justice, and make the Ministry of Inspection play stronger roles in an orientation of all ministries and the whole society to walk in the right way to become an upper middle-income country by 2030, and a high-income country by 2050, so both media and inspection sector and other sectors would upgrade their qualities and effectiveness of Cambodia as a developed country,” said the information minister.H.E. NETH Pheaktra further mentioned about the important roles of open information sources (general broadcasting) to provide inputs to ministries/institutions for information management and investigation in the framework of transparency and accountability, in addition to social media network and secret information source.For his part, H.E. HUOT Hak briefed the event about the background of the Ministry of Inspection, and shared his insights about the significance roles of information in general and the MoU in specific.
Pheu Thai Party President to Visit Cambodia on March 18
At the invitation of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People’s Party, President of the Pheu Thai Party Paetongtarn Shinawatra will lead a delegation to visit Cambodia on 18-19 March 2024.“The visit aims to exchange views on cooperation between neighbouring countries to further serve the common interests of both peoples and parties. This initiative is grounded in the strong bonds and cooperative relationships established between the two parties.”At the invitation of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People’s Party, President of the Pheu Thai Party Paetongtarn Shinawatra will lead a delegation to visit Cambodia on 18-19 March 2024.“The visit aims to exchange views on cooperation between neighbouring countries to further serve the common interests of both peoples and parties. This initiative is grounded in the strong bonds and cooperative relationships established between the two parties,”
Ministry Warns Air Quality Decline
Phnom Penh, January 12, 2024 --The Ministry of Environment has flagged an alarming decline in air quality in Phnom Penh and the provinces of Cambodia.Based on the ministry's air quality monitoring, the decline in air quality was mainly due to an increase in inert particles floating in the air (PM10 and PM2.5), surpassing the standard and posing risks to human health and the environment.Activities contributing to the decline include emissions from industrial vehicles, plastic waste dumping and incineration, and dust generated from construction sites.Forest fires, burning of grass and agricultural waste, open solid waste burning, and landfill fires are also the main contributors, it added.To address this issue, the Ministry of Environment has requested that the 25 capital-provincial governors promote the implementation of the government circular on measures to prevent and reduce public air pollution.Public awareness building and measures to prevent waste, forest, and plastic burning also need to be taken.
Reports of Vietnamese Company’s Operation of Electric Taxis in Cambodia Rejected
Phnom Penh, December 14, 2023 --The spokesman for the Royal Government has vehemently rejected news reports of a Vietnamese company’s operation of electric taxis in Cambodia.In a statement issued on Thursday December 14, 2023, the spokesman said that Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has not accepted plans by Vingroup of Vietnam to operate electric taxis in Cambodia.The spokesman of the Royal Government issued a statement to reject the news reports after some media outlets on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, reported that Vietnam’s Vingroup was planning to launch 2,500 electric taxi companies in Phnom Penh. Sihanoukville and Siem Reap.The statement of the spokesman said that the President of Vingroup made a proposal and expressed his desire to invest in a taxi company using Electric cars in Cambodia. However, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia did not provide permission in accordance with the company’s request, confirmed the spokesman.The President of Vingroup paid a courtesy call on Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, who was on an official visit to Hanoi from Decmebr 11 to 12, 2023.
Trial of Cambodia e-Arrival Starts on Jan. 1
Phnom Penh, December 15, 2023 --Cambodia will launch a trial of the Cambodia e-Arrival Card from Jan. 1 to Mar. 30, 2024 to ease the arrival of both national and foreign passengers.The Ministry of Interior issued the notification on Dec. 13, adding that the official rollout of the electronic system will start on July 1, 2024.By electronically filling up the electronic scheme of receipts into Cambodia prior to their arrival, a passenger is not required to complete any paper form when checking out of the airport.The Cambodia e-Arrival Card can be accessed at www.arrival.gov.kh or via an app called 'Cambodia e-Arrival (CeA) in the App Store and Play Store.During the three-month trial, a passenger can choose to either complete the arrival information using the electronic scheme or a paper form.Once the Cambodia e-Arrival Card is officially implemented, all passengers are mandated to use the electronic system.
Nagacorp Fouder and CEO has passed away
(International): In a report on Monday morning, NagaCorp said that Tan Sri Dr. Chen Lip Keong died at the age of 75 on December 8, 2023 due to illness.The company said in a statement: "On behalf of all the staff of the Board of Directors, we extend our deepest condolences on the death of Dr. "Chen Lip Keong would like to extend his deepest condolences to his family.""The board would also like to sincerely thank Dr. Chen for his leadership, guidance and valuable contribution to the team during his tenure."After the death of Dr. Chen Lip Keong The Board of Directors of NagaCorp has appointed his son Chen Yiy Fon to replace him as CEO.According to the latest ranking by the American business magazine Forbes as of May 2023, Tan Sri is the seventh richest person in Malaysia with a net worth of $ 2.8 billion.
Asian Parliamentary Assembly Invites Cambodia to Host Meeting of Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs Next Year
Phnom Penh, December 02, 2023 --The Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) has invited the Cambodian National Assembly to host next year’s meeting of the group’s Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs.APA Secretary-General Dr. Mohammad Reza Majidi made the request during bilateral talks with National Assembly Second Vice President H.E. Vong Sauth on the sidelines of an APA Executive Council meeting in the Turkish city of Antalya earlier this week.H.E. Vong Sauth warmly thanked Dr. Majidi for the kind invitation and said he would convey it to the National Assembly leadership.APA's Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs most recently met in September in Baku in Azerbaijan, which is scheduled to hold the APA presidency in 2024 and 2025.COMMISSION ON WOMENThe Baku meeting adopted a draft resolution to set up a Commission on Women within the framework of APA, which was subsequently endorsed by the Executive Council in Antalya.Members of parliament from across the region are to consider the resolution at the next APA Plenary Session, expected to be hosted by Azerbaijan early next year.They are also expected to hear from a working group on Palestine, which the Executive Council meeting in Antalya agreed to set up.TALKS WITH TURKISH SPEAKERH.E. Vong Sauth also held bilateral talks with Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Speaker H.E. Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmus, the current president of APA.The Second Vice President expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Türkiye commemorating 100 years as a republic on Oct. 30He noted growing ties between the Cambodian and Turkish governments – including efforts to boost annual two-way trade to US$ 1 billion – and urged stronger cooperation between the two parliaments. In his address to the Executive Council on Nov. 27, H.E. Vong Sauth recalled that the Cambodian National Assembly was one of the founding members of the Asian Parliamentary Association for Peace (AAPP).In addition to hosting the Second AAPP General Assembly in 2000, the National Assembly chaired the Eighth Plenary Session of APA in Phnom Penh in 2015 and the Ninth Session in Siem Reap the following year.“I am confident that our positive interactions and dialogue will accelerate mutual understanding, friendship and solidarity among Member Parliaments and States, contributing to peace, stability and development throughout Asia and the world,” he said.Other members of the Cambodian delegation to the Executive Council meeting were H.E. Keo Piseth, Secretary of the National Assembly Commission on Justice and Legislation, and H.E. Ty Sokun, Secretary of the Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation.
Annual High School Exam Kicks Off Today
Phnom Penh, November 05, 2023 --The two-day examination of Grade 12 high school students kicked off today nationwide with a total 137,412 candidates.The official opening of the national examination was held at Preah Sisowath High School, in Phnom Penh in the presence of H.E. Hang Chuoun Naron, Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports.The Grade 12 students will sit for the exam subjects of earth and environment, geography, history, biology, foreign language, Khmer literature, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and morality-civics.Phnom Penh and Kandal province results are expected to be announced on Nov. 28, while the remaining provinces the following day.The exam is a prerequisite for high school graduates to pursue their studies at the university level.Last year, 90,950, or 72.33 percent of the total 125,735 candidates got their baccalaureate passed their high school exam.
Cambodia Agrees to Pull Out Her UN’s Blue Beret Troops from Mali
Phnom Penh, October 25, 2023 --Cambodia agreed to pull out her peace-keeping troops together with other international forces under the United Nations umbrella from Mali, being intensified by armed conflict between Malian army and rebel group.Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, said he has given a notification of agreement on the UN’s peace keeping troops’ withdrawal from Mali.“A few days ago, I has given my consent to withdraw nearly 100 of Cambodian Blue Beret troops from Mali, as the United Nations had begun withdrawing them. Even the UN troops were being attacked,” he said at a get-together with over 12,000 garment employees and workers in Kampong Cham province this morning.In July this year, the United Nations Security Council Members reiterated strong support for the full withdrawal of the decade-old UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, and the transfer of security responsibilities to the country’s transitional government, which has been in power since a coup in 2021, according to UBy the terms of the adopted resolution, UN will completely pull out from Mali by January 1, 2024.
CNN Promotes Cambodia’s New Airport in Siem Reap Province
Phnom Penh, October 21, 2023 --One of the U.S. most popular news outlets published an article on Oct. 19 entitled “Cambodia’s newest and biggest airport opens in Siem Reap: the gateway to UNESCO-listed Angkor” to promote the newly opened international airport. It wrote that the China-funded Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is now the main gateway to one of the country’s most popular tourist sites, the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Complex. The airport can handle 10,000 tonnes of air cargo per year from 2023 and 26,000 tonnes a year from 2040, as well as 65,800 flights per year from 2023 and up to 112,700 flights annually from 2040. As planned, the airport will be officially inaugurated on Nov. 16 2023, under the presidency of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the Prime Minister of Cambodia. The construction of the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport began in March 2020 with an investment of approximately US$1.1 billion by the Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd.
Brutal urban warfare awaits Israel’s army in Gaza
Israel has invaded Gaza twice in the 18 years since its withdrawal. The first instance was Operation Cast Lead, a 15-day ground invasion in January 2009. The second was Operation Protective Edge in 2014, during which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were on the ground for 19 days. A third ground assault is on the way in retaliation to the slaughter of Israeli civilians by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that rules Gaza. It appears to be bigger, longer, and more violent than anything before it.Already, air strikes and artillery, as well as missiles launched from land and sea, are hammering Gaza. This is happening on a vast scale, with less consideration and forewarning than prior campaigns. According to Israeli sources, the idf is no longer using its "roof knocks" policy, in which the air force would offer warning of air strikes by first releasing a harmless round on the targeted structure. According to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza, at least 900 Palestinians, many of them civilians, have been killed so far.