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.
H.E. Robert William Forden Appointed New U.S. Ambassador To Cambodia
Phnom Penh, July 08, 2024 --The U.S. Government has announced the appointment of H.E. Robert William Forden as new Ambassador to Cambodia in replacement H.E. W. Patrick Murphy.According to the U.S. Department of State’s recent statement, H.E. Robert William Forden is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor. Most recently, he worked as a Senior Advisor in the East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau of the U.S. Department of State.Prior to that he served as the Deputy Chief of Mission, and also as Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the U.S. Embassy in the People’s Republic of China. Prior to that, H.E. Robert William Forden was the Deputy Director of the American Institute in Taiwan and before that the Economic Counsellor of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel.H.E. Robert William Forden was also Deputy Economic Counsellor of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and, in Washington, was the Deputy Director of the Office of Chinese and Mongolian Affairs in the State Department’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. His demonstrated success as a leader, coupled with almost three decades of work in and on Asia as a career diplomat, make him a well-qualified candidate to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia.Among his other assignments, H.E. Robert William Forden was Chief of the Kaohsiung Branch of the American Institute in Taiwan, an Economic Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam, and an Economic Officer in the Special Trade Activities Division of the Multilateral Trade Affairs Office in the U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C.H.E. Robert William Forden earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He is the recipient of a Presidential Rank Award (Meritorious) and numerous State Department performance awards. He speaks Chinese (Mandarin) and Vietnamese.
Air Asia Malaysia Resumes Kuala Lumpur-Sihanoukville Flight Service
Phnom Penh, July 04, 2024 --Air Asia Malaysia has resumed direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Sihanoukville International Airport with three flights per week - Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.Air Asia Malaysia’s flight AK 264 aircraft departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 12:10 PM and touched down at Sihanoukville International Airport at 1:00 PM local time on July 3.Guests onboard flight AK 264 were greeted with Khmer traditional dance and warmly welcomed by representatives from the Cambodia Airport Authority and AirAsia Allstars.AirAsia now offers direct flights to Sihanoukville from Kuala Lumpur three times per week, enhancing its extensive international network and connecting Cambodia to over 130 destinations across Asia and beyond.H.E. Sin Chansereyvutha, Under-Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), said the airline’s Kuala Lumpur-Sihanoukville resumption will contribute to aviation sector development."We are welcome to the resumption of the AirAsia. The economic situation seems to be improving, which is the reason the airline decided to resume its flight service," he said.There are three airlines - AirAsia Cambodia, Cambodia Angkor Air, and AirAsia Malaysia - which operate flight services to Sihanoukville International Airport, according to SSCA.Cambodia attracted some 2.6 million international tourists in the first six months of 2024, an increase of 22 percent compared to the same period last year, a Ministry of Tourism’s report showed.Currently, 31 domestic and international airlines from eight ASEAN countries, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are operating air services in Cambodia.
Over 2,500 Cambodian Students Attend Universities In Thailand
Phnom Penh, June 28, 2024 --Over the last decade, more than 2,500 Cambodian students have studied and are studying at universities in Thailand, of them 2,132 are scholarship students granted by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand.The figures were shared by H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports, while presiding over the alumni reunion party of the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University in Phnom Penh on June 25.The gathering is a good opportunity to reunite, share experience, and network for future career development among the students, he said.He highlighted that Cambodian students have been contributing significantly to Cambodia’s development, including the education sector.H.E. Cherdkiat Atthakor, Thai Ambassador to Cambodia, professors from the Faculty of Education of Chulalongkorn University, and members of the student alumni community joined the reunion.
Australia Supports Training Of Cambodian Young Water Engineers
Phnom Penh, June 25, 2024 --Australia is supporting the Centre for Sustainable Water to equip the next generation of Cambodian water engineers through the Youth Leadership in Clean Water Supply Action programme.According to the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh, this programme provides six-month internships at private water companies for 10 water resources engineering students or recent graduates from the Institute of Technology of Cambodia.Young water engineers gain skills and experience working alongside private operators to improve water quality, supply and service delivery, it pointed out.“Australia is committed to empowering young water engineers in Cambodia to ensure a sustainable clean water future for all, recognising their crucial role in shaping the country’s water development,” underlined the embassy.To meet her goal of universal access to clean water by 2030, Cambodia requires an additional 12,000 water professionals.
China sees US sanctions on Chinese companies as unilateral threat and economic coercion
Phnom Penh, June 21, 2024 -China on Thursday voiced strong opposition to the recent US decision to impose sanctions on Chinese companies over so-called Russian involvement.He Yadong, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, told a news conference that sanctions were not based on international law and had no mandate from the UN Security Council.He said such actions were a normal act of unilateral threats and economic coercion.He said the US side should immediately stop its unreasonable pressure on Chinese companies, adding that China will take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises without change. .
The Republic Of Ireland To Strengthen Regional Ties: A Focus On Cambodia
Phnom Penh, June 14, 2024 --Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea received here on June 13 a courtesy call by H.E. Ms. Deirdre Ní Fhallúin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Ireland to the Kingdom of Cambodia with Residence in Hanoi.According to a news release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during the meeting, both sides noted with deep satisfaction relations and good cooperation between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of Ireland, and underlined the importance of further elevating the engagement between the two nations in mutually beneficial interests.The Cambodian DPM expressed his profound appreciation to the Irish government for their invaluable assistance and support to Cambodia, particularly in the fields of education, demining and health.H.E. Ambassador reaffirmed the Irish government’s unwavering commitment to deepening its engagement with countries in the region, especially Cambodia, adding that education sector is a key pillar of their cooperation program, which aligns perfectly with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy - Phase I.Both sides emphasised the importance of establishing a Bilateral Consultations or Joint Economic Commission mechanism which would pave the way to further strengthen and explore new avenues of partnership, especially in trade and economic exchanges between the two countries.Both parties also exchanged insightful views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
A Workshop On Investment In Cambodia Held In Spain
Phnom Penh, June 11, 2024 --A workshop on Investment in Cambodia was organised in Spain on June 10 to promote the investment potential and opportunities in Cambodia to Spanish enterprises.The workshop was co-chaired by H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister, First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) and Spanish Secretary of State for Trade H.E. Ms. Maria Amparo Lopez Senovilla.The event, attracting the participation of Spanish Chamber of Commerce, Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE), etc., is part of H.E. Sun Chanthol's 'door-knocking' mission to Europe.On the occasion, the CDC first vice president laid stress on the potential of Cambodia, including political stability, macroeconomic stability, labour force, interconnected infrastructure, especially the Royal Government’s support for the growth of businesspeople, and open investment law for all investors.H.E. Sun Chanthol expressed his strong belief that the invited investors and businessmen will visit Cambodia in person, and bring the current state of investment environment in Cambodia to the Spanish business community more widely.On the same day, the Cambodian DPM also met with a number of representatives of Spain’s major companies such as Insud Pharma, Centunion, Melia Group, Molecor, CAF, Biorizon Biotech, Edutrade, and Talgo, to reaffirm the CDC’s readiness to facilitate the investors’ businesses to ensure their success.
Strengthening Mekong-U.S. Partnership Together With Friends Of Mekong For Sustainable Regional Development
Phnom Penh, June 09, 2024 --H.E. MEAS Kim Heng, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) and Cambodia's SOM Leader for Mekong Cooperation, attended the Mekong-U.S. Partnership (MUSP) Senior Officials' Meeting and the Friends of Mekong (FoM) Senior Officials' Meeting in the Lao PDR, on June 5-6.According to an MFAIC’s press release issued this morning, the Senior Officials' Meeting of the Mekong-U.S. Partnership discussed key agendas, including the progress and future direction of the Mekong-U.S. Partnership, and the Mekong-U.S. Partnership Action Plan for 2024-2026. The meeting also discussed preparations for the potential Mekong-U.S. Foreign Ministers' Meeting.The Meeting of the Senior Officials of the FoM was held back to back to the MUSP Meeting at the Secretariat of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) under the theme "Strengthening the Partnership for Connectivity and Resilience of the Mekong" with the participation of Mekong countries, along with other development partners, focused on key priority areas for the development of the Mekong sub-region, as well as strengthening cooperation and efficient coordination for the FoM mechanism.During the two meetings, H.E. Secretary of State thanked the United States and all Friends of the Mekong countries for their valuable assistance in developing the subregion and urged them to provide more support for various Mekong cooperation, including (1) public and private partnership (2) human resource development (3) agricultural and rural development and (4) Micro, small and medium enterprises and digital economy.
U.S. Defence Secretary Travel To Cambodia Next Week
Phnom Penh, May 27, 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of Defence H.E. Lloyd J. Austin III will depart this week for a trip to Singapore, Cambodia, and France, according to the U.S. Department of Defence’s press release on Friday.While in Cambodia on June 4, the source pointed out, H.E. Lloyd J. Austin III will meet with senior officials following his November 2022 visit to Phnom Penh for the ASEAN Defence Minister's Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).“Secretary Austin's tenth trip to the Indo-Pacific comes as the Department of Defence continues to strengthen U.S. relationships with allies and partners in support of a shared regional vision for peace, stability, and deterrence,” said the press release.
Vietnam names new President To Lam and new National Assembly Speaker Tran Thanh Man
Vietnam: The Vietnamese government has also announced that 66-year-old Police Minister To Lam will take over as the new president, replacing Vo Van Thuong, while Tran Thanh Man will take over. The new speaker of the National Assembly replaces Vuong Dinh Hue, who resigned last month after facing charges of "abuse and lack of party compliance" according to the Vietnamese government on Saturday last weekend as part of a major leadership change.Thanh Min, now 61, has served as deputy speaker of parliament since 2021. He holds a doctorate in economics and was also chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and chairman of the Prek Russey or Cần Thơ People's Committee.It should be recalled that such a change of senior ministers is unprecedented for Vietnam, a one-party state and also a country with stable politics, but the situation has changed, with up to two presidents and a parliamentary speaker ended his term in less than 18 months for "misconduct" while Vietnam was conducting a large-scale anti-corruption campaign.
Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, led a Cambodian delegation to the 6th Round of ACFTA 3.0 Negotiations in Singapore.
(Singapore): On 22 to 26 April 2024, in Singapore, His Excellency TITH Rithipol, Under Secretary of State of Commerce, and the ACFTA JC Lead for Cambodia led Cambodia’s delegation to attend the 6th Round of the ACFTA 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations in order to monitor the progress as well as discuss and address the issues and follow-up works under the ACFTA 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations to ensure achieving a substantial conclusion by the end of 2024.On that sideline, some relevant working groups’ meetings were also organized, such as the Working Groups on Trade in Goods, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Investment, Digital Economy, Green Economy, Legal and Institutional Issues, and Supply Chain Connectivity. As a result, The 6th Round was successfully concluded, and the ACFTA JC agreed to organize its 7th Round in June 2024 in China.
Thai Foreign Minister Resigns Immediately During Cabinet Reshuffle
THAILAND: Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara has resigned shortly after losing his post as deputy prime minister during a cabinet reshuffle, local media reported on Sunday. A Thai government spokesman told Reuters he could not comment on the report, which could not be independently verified. The new cabinet of the Thai Prime Minister, backed by the King of Thailand, was officially posted on the Thai government's website on Sunday, indicating that Parnpree was only on the list as foreign minister, no longer the Deputy Prime Minister.
Australia To Foster Online Scamming Cooperation With Cambodia
Phnom Penh, March 29, 2024 --Australia is determined to further strengthen relations and cooperation with Cambodia, especially on security along the border.The determination was underscored by H.E. Justin Whyatt, Ambassador of Australia to Cambodia, while paying a courtesy call on Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H.E. Aphi Santepundit Sar Sokha at the ministry on Mar. 27.The cooperation will focus on countering online scams and drug trafficking, as well as technology, economic, and transnational crimes.H.E. Justin Whyatt also highly commented on the Ministry of Interior for its security measures and support for the cooperation with Australia.H.E. Aphi Santepundit Sar Sokha welcomed the cooperation and thanked the Ambassador, the Embassy of Australia to Cambodia, and the Government of Australia for their continuous contribution to Cambodia's security and development.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen Departs For Boao Forum For Asia Annual Conference 2024 In China
Phnom Penh, March 27, 2024 --Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King, is leading a high-level delegation to China's Hainan province to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024, at the invitation of H.E. Li Baodong, Secretary General of the Boao Forum for Asia.The delegation was seen off at Phnom Penh International Airport this morning by many dignitaries and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Wang Wentian.According to a press release of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Samdech Techo will deliver a speech at the opening of the conference whose theme this year is "Asia and the World: Common Challenges, Shared Responsibilities."The forum brings together government, business and academic leaders with international and regional organisations to discuss major development issues and promote international cooperation, it said.On the sidelines of the forum, the source added, Samdech Techo will meet senior Chinese leaders including H.E. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, H.E. General He Weidong, Member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau and Second Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and H.E. Feng Fei, Secretary of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China.Samdech Techo is also scheduled to visit the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences and Wenchang International Aerospace City with the aim of fostering cooperation between Cambodia and China in the field of agricultural development and technology.Samdech Techo Hun Sen is accompanied by H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Member of the Supreme Privy Council, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce, and H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, along with senior government officials and leaders from the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce.
EU Reiterates Commitment To Support Cambodia’s LDC Transition
Phnom Penh, March 14, 2024 --The European Union (EU) has reiterated its commitment to support for Cambodia’s graduation from the least development country (LDC) status and ready to talk with Cambodia’s side on the new trade scheme - EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).The commitment was made by H.E. Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, at a press conference held on Mar. 13 at Phnom Penh International Airport after concluding her fruitful visit in Cambodia.Commissioner Urpilainen’s two-day trip in Cambodia gave her the opportunity to take stock of the European Union’s longstanding cooperation with the Royal Government of Cambodia.H.E. Ms. Jutta Urpilainen said it was a pleasure for her to visit Cambodia and to discuss EU partnership with the Royal Government. Cambodia has come a long way in its development path, lifting millions of people out of poverty over the past two decades.“With the upcoming graduation from Least Developed Country status, Cambodia has now come to a critical juncture. The European Union is committed to its partnership with Cambodia, based on our values and on human rights principles, to accompany the delicate transition,” she said.The EU is ready to talks with Cambodia’s side over the new trade scheme - GSP, giving the Kingdom enjoys trade preferences after BA scheme ends when the country graduates from LDC status, she added.Starting at the highest political level, Commissioner Urpilainen had an excellent meeting with Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, followed also by one with H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea, DPM and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the new government’s priorities and its relationship with the EU.The Commissioner met with DPM and Minister of Economy and Finance, H.E. Aun Pornmoniroth, in a signing ceremony to launch four programmes supporting green transition in Cambodia, with a focus on promoting sustainable value chains, energy efficiency and renewable energy. These initiatives aim to promote the green transition and support the integration of Cambodian products into regional and international markets.She paid a visit to the Bakheng water treatment plant (a Global Gateway flagship investment in clean water, supported by the EU and France) and met with representatives from Civil Society. She also met with European Businesses on the opportunities to invest and work in Cambodia, and views on the business environment.
Thailand raises flights with discounts for tourists For Thai New Year
Thai Airways plans to increase the number of flights to meet travel needs during its upcoming New Year celebrations.According to Sarun Benjanirat, deputy director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), 104 additional flights have been scheduled for the festival. Airfare discounts for all domestic flights will also be offered.Flights are scheduled to operate at major airports across the country, including Phuket, Chiang Mai, Samui, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Khon Kaen. Because these extra flights will operate outside of regular hours, whether late at night or early in the morning, the airline will offer airfare at a discounted rate of up to 20% below the regular rate.
Foreign e-commerce providers in Vietnam pay more than $ 83 million in taxes in two months
In the first two months of this year, 67 out of 84 foreign e-commerce companies registered in Vietnam paid more than 2 trillion VND in taxes, according to Vietnam News ($ 83.3 million).According to a release by Xinhua. Ten more foreign service providers have registered for tariffs in Vietnam, compared to the end of 2023, the report said.To improve e-commerce tax administration, the department will continue to work with relevant ministries and agencies to manage foreign service providers and businesses that own e-commerce platforms, the department said. Last year, foreign suppliers in Vietnam paid more than 8 trillion VND ($ 323.9 million) in taxes, the department said.
UK Minister For The Indo-Pacific To Discuss Cooperation On Sustainable Development And Education On First Visit To Cambodia
Phnom Penh, March 04, 2024 --United Kingdom (UK) Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Rt Hon. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, has been visiting Cambodia from Mar. 2-4 to strengthen cooperation on trade, economic development and education.According to a press release of the British Embassy in Cambodia issued on Mar. 3, during the visit, Minister Trevelyan will meet Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economy and Finance H.E. Aun Pornmoniroth to discuss how the UK is supporting sustainable development in Cambodia, including green infrastructure.Trade and investment between the UK and Cambodia continue to develop, boosted by initiatives including the Developing Countries’ Trading Scheme, with annual two-way trade worth over £1 billion. Cambodia is also a priority country for the UK’s British Investment Partnerships programme, which encourages private sector investment into high-quality, sustainable infrastructure projects to support development.“I'm delighted to be paying my first visit to Cambodia, a country with an incredible ancient history and which has overcome more recent hardships to become one of the fastest-growing economies in ASEAN,” Rt Hon. Anne-Marie Trevelyan said ahead of the visit. “The UK-Cambodia bilateral relationship is growing across various sectors and we are committed to supporting the country on the next stage of its development journey. I'm looking forward to hearing more about how our British Investment Partnerships work is delivering for Cambodia and the role of UK education in developing talent here.”British Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Dominic Williams MBE expressed his enthusiasm to welcome the UK Minister of State for Indo Pacific, Rt Hon. Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, to Cambodia - the UK’s first Ministerial visitor since Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Manet’s government took office last August. The visit is a visible demonstration of our desire to deepen cooperation with Cambodia.“The UK is committed to supporting job-creating economic growth in Cambodia, through sustainable investment, development initiatives and trade. The visit will also be an opportunity for open discussion on key national and international issues. I’m pleased that the Minister will be able to hear from a range of Cambodians about the future,” he said.While in Phnom Penh, the Minister will visit the new sister campus of Leicester-based De Montfort University, the first UK university to open a site in Cambodia. The Minister will hear from university staff and other education providers ahead of the campus welcoming its first cohort of students later in 2024.Improving access to education for Cambodians, in particular women and girls, is a longstanding priority in the UK-Cambodia relationship. In addition to existing programmes, in 2023 the UK committed £30 million to increase access to education for women and girls across Southeast Asia. The funding will support around 100,000 women and girls, including through scholarships and additional classes, as well as teacher training to improve the quality of lessons.Signalling the UK’s respect for Cambodia’s rich history, the Minister will also visit the National Museum of Cambodia to see artifacts recently returned to Cambodia from the UK as well as the opportunity to listen to civil society organisations and their important work on good governance, transparency, protection, and empowerment of women in the country.
Hun Manet Engages in Diplomatic Visit with Sultan Ibrahim of Malaysia
Phnom Penh On a recent official visit to Malaysia, Prime Minister Hun Manet of the Kingdom of Cambodia was greeted by King Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, the 17th King of Malaysia. The two countries' diplomatic ties and cooperative development are highlighted by this important summit.King Sultan Ibrahim acknowledged the increasing friendship between Malaysia and Cambodia and expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Manet's generosity during the visit. He expressed his best wishes to Hun Sen, the country's former prime minister, and King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia, emphasising the value of ongoing diplomatic ties between their two nations.On behalf of King Norodom Sihamoni, Prime Minister Manet expressed his sincere thanks to Sultan Ibrahim for the chance to talk about bilateral relations and paid his respects. In order to demonstrate Cambodia's dedication to democratic procedures, the leaders also discussed recent events in the nation, such as the results of the 5th Senate election.Moreover, opportunities to strengthen collaboration in a number of areas, such as commerce, economy, tourism, agriculture, defence, security, and education, were investigated by Prime Minister Manet and his counterpart in Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim. In order to promote stability and growth on both sides, these talks are essential to improving the bilateral relationship.This diplomatic meeting between Malaysia and Cambodia promises to be a significant turning point in their shared histories and foster future mutual respect and enhanced partnership.