Thai cabinet orders Thai farmers to suspend bank debt for three years
A deputy finance minister said on Tuesday that the Thai cabinet has agreed a plan to postpone debt payments for millions of farmers for a period of three years at a cost to the government of roughly 33 billion baht ($908 million).According to Julapun Amornvivat, the suspension of principal and interest payments will start on October 1 and farmers who have complied with interest payments will also be permitted to borrow up to 100,000 baht from the government-run Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives.According to him, the purpose of the legislation is to lessen farmers' obligations so they can "come back strong". A total of 2.7 million farmers are qualified to participate in the program.Thailand, the second-largest exporter of rice in the world, has one of the highest rates of household debt in Asia.According to official data, 66.7% of all agricultural households were in debt in 2021, primarily due to farming-related expenses. After taking out loans to pay for their crops, many agricultural families are left with generations-long debt.The debt proposal is one of a number of policies the new populist administration, which took office last month, has put out to jump-start a stagnant economy dragged down by plummeting exports and investor confidence.According to Julapun, the suspension would cost the government around 11 billion baht ($302.8 million) a year, while the cabinet on Tuesday gave its approval to about 12 billion baht.($1 = 36.34 baht)
Cambodian PM and Spouse Arrive in New York for UNGA 78
New York, September 22, 2023—Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet (Pic. 1) and his spouse disembark from a special aircraft upon their arrival at Newark Liberty International Airport in New York early this morning (Cambodian time) to attend the General Debate of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) at the UN headquarters.
THE KOREA-ASEAN SOLIDARITY INITIATIVE: New Momentum for Cambodia-ROK Cooperation and Partnership
Phnom Penh, September 15, 2023 –The Republic of Korea’s (ROK) Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) was announced by President Yoon at the 2022 ASEAN-ROK Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The ROK’s Indo-Pacific Strategy was established to increase engagement and cooperation with the Indo-Pacific to advance freedom, peace and prosperity in the region under the principle of cooperative inclusivity, trust, and reciprocity.One of the new IPS policy components is the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI). KASI is designed to strengthen cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by enhancement of economic, political, and cultural ties between Korea and ASEAN member countries.Thus, KASI plays a significant role in sustaining ROK’s Indo-Pacific strategy and maintaining its position within the uncertainty created by superpower competition, while promoting regional cooperation, mutual trust, and the rules-based order.KASI encompasses various areas such as trade, investment, tourism, education, and people-to-people exchanges and focuses on eight core lines of effort: 1) upgrading bilateral relations; 2) enhancing ASEAN-ROK cooperation within the ASEAN-led mechanism; 3) security cooperation; 4) promoting strategy cooperation; 5) sharing prosperity and development; 6) jointly addressing regional and global challenges; 7) promoting future generation exchanges; and, 8) increasing ASEAN-ROK cooperation resources.It affirms ASEAN Centrality, supports the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and seeks to upgrade multilateral ties with ASEAN to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ as well as bilateral ties with each member state. KASI is expected to deepen cooperation with ASEAN in areas such as digitalisation, climate change and public health.For instance, KASI aims to enhance institutions for future cooperation, including the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The ROK plans to increase the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF) volume to US$32 million by 2027 and support infrastructure, digital and green sectors. Moreover, the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) was upgraded to promote digital trade, strengthen e-government infrastructure, and cultivate a skilled workforce in digital-related fields.In the context of great power rivalry, Cambodia’s approaches to the Indo-Pacific region are complementary to, and converge with, the ROK’s IPS and KASI initiatives. Both countries are committed to promoting an open, peaceful, free, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Both countries are committed to working with and within ASEAN-led platforms and mechanisms to ensure that the region remains at the centre of regional affairs.The KASI provides new momentum for Cambodia and the ROK to solidify their cooperation and partnership both bilaterally and multilaterally for peace, stability, development, prosperity, and inclusive growth.The two countries have already taken some steps to implement their Indo-Pacific strategies. For example, Cambodia and the ROK have signed a number of agreements on economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and capacity building. They have also conducted high-level meetings to discuss their shared interests in the region.Cambodia-ROK cooperation has strengthened and broadened since 1997 when diplomatic ties were re-established. Since then, trade investment, tourism, and people-to-people connectivity has seen significant increases. Today, the ROK is Cambodia’s 3rd largest development investor and plays a crucial role for Cambodia to achieve its vision as an upper middle-income country by 2030 and high-income country by 2050.Despite existing and potential benefits from Cambodia-ROK relations for national development, Cambodia must address some challenges before achieving its 2030 and 2050 development goals.One major challenge is the lack of human resources in the digital sector. According to the Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Framework 2021-2035, Cambodia has a limited digital talent of around 50,000 personnel, and a moderately skilled ICT sector workforce. Additionally, the Kingdom’s digital literacy rate is 80.5 percent, with 30 percent possessing only basic digital skills.In Cambodia, only 28 percent of students use computers for higher education, compared to 70 percent in Thailand and Indonesia. Digital payment infrastructure development faces challenges such as limited bank participation, lack of common platforms, and limited public awareness, which hinder adoption and access to e-payment services, despite continued modernisation and interbank network connectivity.While Cambodia has built a world-class digital substructure to empower further advances and integration of the digital superstructure of e-commerce, payment platforms, entertainment, and shared economy applications, it still requires significant consultation and technical assistance from the ROK. Sectors of specific need include financial systems, construction, transportation, AI & big data, labour, energy, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).The Royal Government of Cambodia has recognised the critical role of digital technology and services by adding the fifth priority ‘Technology’ to its socio-economic development strategy within the ‘Pentagonal Strategy Phase I’ to achieve digital citizens, digital business, and digital government by 2035.Firstly, to achieve its development aims Cambodia must assimilate patterns of experience gained through consultation and the processes of establishing comprehensive digital and economic cooperative relations with the ROK. Cambodia and the ROK can enhance digital cooperation by signing agreements, attracting Korean investment, promoting private-sector partnerships, and developing digital skills through incentives, funding, and training in digital literacy and coding.Cambodia needs the ROK’s assistance with smart city initiatives by sharing its expertise in urban planning, technology integration, and sustainable development. This collaboration aims to enhance Cambodia's urban infrastructure, improve the quality of life for its citizens, and drive economic growth through the implementation of innovative smart city solutions. Embracing this comprehensive approach, Cambodia can leverage the economy via optimisation of its robust connectivity substructure to support and extend its services superstructure.Secondly, as technology advances and global challenges arise, it is crucial for Cambodian people to develop a forward-thinking mindset that embraces innovation and progress. By doing so, strengthening and broadening people-to-people exchanges between Cambodia and the ROK are essential for building a deeper understanding of developmental approaches.Cambodia seeks greater promotion and implementation of cultural understanding, education cooperation, and youth exchanges. The ROK could provide further educational opportunities, scholar exchange and enhanced training for Cambodian students.People-to-people connectivity between the two countries can deepen friendships and cultures to empower individuals and foster mutual understanding. Moreover, enhanced cooperation enables the upgrade of healthcare facilities, enhanced training for medical professionals, robust implementation of comprehensive health programmes, greater provision and use of advanced medical equipment, medical and health capacity-building workshops, and crucial medical missions.Thirdly, Cambodia’s foreign policy necessitates diversifying partnerships in the region and the world for national security and prosperity. The Kingdom is committed to working with the ROK for the promotion of peace and stability in the region. Cambodia is determined to strengthen cooperation with the ROK on non-traditional security threats such as terrorism, transnational crime, and global warming.On December 29, 2022, Cambodian and Korean commanders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote friendship, mutual trust, and peace. The MoU aims to strengthen military cooperation and expand future activities. The signing marks a turning point in history. The foundation of the innovative military relationship has created opportunities and promoted closer ties between the armies of Cambodia and the ROK and is demonstrated by the many successful achievements made thus far, including several exchange visits, human resources joint training, provision of advanced military equipment, and other key areas of military capacity upgrading.Furthermore, Cambodia recognises the importance of collaborating with the ROK to address emerging challenges in areas such as cybersecurity and climate change. By fostering a strong partnership, both countries can effectively tackle global issues and ensure the well-being of their respective populations.To sustain and build upon the successes of their 26-year relationship, Cambodia and the ROK need to improve political ties at a high level by sharing and exchanging mutual governance experiences under both existing bi-lateral mechanisms and ASEAN-led initiatives and mechanisms.This can involve regular diplomatic visits, joint policy discussions, and collaboration on issues of common interest. For economic development, friendly relations encourage both parties to reach more agreements and MOUs, which include joint projects such as infrastructure development and investment in renewable energy. Additionally, people-to-people connectivity between Cambodia and the ROK can be stimulated by encouraging tourism, supporting sister-city relationships, and offering ROK scholarships for Cambodian students. The KASI illuminates both opportunities for Cambodia to diversify partnerships in the new era as well as generate multifaceted momentum for capability-building with the ROK into the future.
Foreign Ministry Confirms PM’s Official Visit to China
Phnom Penh, September 12, 2023 --Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, will lead a high-level delegation to pay an official visit to the People’s Republic of China from Sept. 14-16 2023.The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed the upcoming visit this afternoon, saying the it will be made at the invitation of H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.During the official visit, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet will pay separate courtesy calls on H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, and H.E. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China.The discussions will encompass exchanges on topics, including the building of a Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future in the new era, the further advancement in Diamond Cooperation, strategic directions for Cambodia-China relations, and regional and international matters of common interest.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet will hold a bilateral meeting with H.E. Premier Li Qiang, to deliberate on bilateral and multilateral cooperation.The two Prime Ministers will preside over a signing ceremony for several cooperation documents.Following the official visit, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet will participate in the 20th ASEAN-China Expo on Sept. 16-17 2023 in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.“As Cambodia and China are commemorating the 65th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations and the Year of Friendship, this forthcoming visit of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet is poised to further consolidate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation between the two nations. It will enhance the Diamond Cooperation Framework and promote collaboration across various regional and international platforms, delivering mutual benefits to both countries and peoples,” underlined the foreign ministry.
Cambodia to Form Diplomatic Ties with Cook Islands
Phnom Penh, September 09, 2023 --Cambodia and Cook Islands will establish their diplomatic relations as their foreign ministers will conduct a joint study to determine a framework to build the diplomatic ties.Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and H.E. Mark Stephen Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, agreed in principle on the establishment, during their bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta, Indonesia this week.The two leaders shared the same ideas that the size of a country, small or large, should not be an obstacle to relations and cooperation if the two sides seek a common vision, common direction and will to achieve a common destiny.The relationship between both countries can start from this high-level meeting and continue to potential sectors, such as agriculture and tourism, they added.The two Premiers invited each other for a visit to their countries at any convenient time in the future.Located in South Pacific Ocean, Cook Islands is a self-governing island state consisting of 15 small islands. It is in free association with New Zealand with a total population of 15,040 (2021).
Cambodian PM Attends 13 Summits and Delivers 12 Keynote Addresses in Jakarta
Phnom Penh, September 08, 2023 --The Royal Government Spokesperson Unit of the Office of the Council of Ministers last night released the successful outcomes of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet’s first overseas mission in Jakarta, Indonesia from Sept. 4 to 7, 2023.During the four-day mission, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet attended 13 ASEAN Summits and Related Summits and delivered 12 keynote addresses, and held trilateral working breakfast with his counterparts from Vietnam and Laos, and 32 bilateral talks.The Cambodian Premier had bilateral talks, both official and unofficial, with different world leaders, including China, India, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Cook Islands, ASEAN leaders, and so on as well as heads of some regional and international institutions and organisations.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet is the youngest leaders in the summits, but has shown outstanding diplomatic talent and excellence way, especially in high-level international dialogues with different leaders.
Leaders of Cambodia and the Philippines Discuss Potential Areas for More Cooperation
Phnom Penh, September 07, 2023 --Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and President of the Philippines H.E. Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. looked into different potential areas to strengthen and expand the cooperation between the two countries.The high-level discussion took place in Jakarta, Indonesia this morning, on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.Before concluding the meeting, the two leaders expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to exchange views in this bilateral framework, which is a mechanism of cooperation in addition to the multilateral mechanism in the ASEAN framework.The two leaders also invited each other for an official visit at an appropriate time in the future.
Cambodia to Continue Supporting Timor-Leste’s Preparation for ASEAN Membership
Phnom Penh, September 06, 2023 --Cambodia will continue to support and assist Timor-Leste, especially in the preparation process to become a member of ASEAN in the future.Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet made the reaffirmation while holding a bilateral talk with Timorese Prime Minister H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao in Jakarta, Indonesia this afternoon, on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.In reply, H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao expressed his gratitude to Cambodia, particularly to Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of Cambodia, who has always provided support and encouragement to Timor-Leste in regional and global integration.Cambodia’s support and experience sharing are a respectful gesture and an important path for Timor-Leste to learn and prepare itself for the ASEAN membership in the near future, he stressed.Besides, the two leaders discussed potential areas for more cooperation between the two countries, in particular trade, education, agriculture, and tourism. They hoped that the good cooperation will be in the best interests of the two nations.
Cambodia, the Philippines Sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Partnership in Agriculture and MSME Development
Jakarta, September 05, 2023--Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, and President of the Philippines, H.E. Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., preside over the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cambodia-Philippines Partnership in Agriculture and MSME Development, on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia this evening.
Cambodia Signs MoUs with Serbia and Peru
Jakarta, September 05, 2023—Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, with H.E. Ivica Dacic, Serbian First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and a MoU on the Establishment of a Bilateral Consultation between the MFAIC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Peru with H.E. Ana Cecilia Gervasi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, in Jakarta, Indonesia on Sept. 4.
China Committed to Respecting Cambodia’s Sovereignty
Phnom Penh, September 04, 2023 --Visiting Director of International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) H.E. Liu Jianchao has reaffirmed China's unwavering commitment to respecting Cambodia's sovereignty.While paying a courtesy call on Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) at the January 7 Palace in Phnom Penh this morning, H.E. Liu Jianchao also expressed the full support of Chinese President H.E. Xi Jinping for the new Royal Government of Cambodia led by CPP to choose the path of development in accordance with the national conditions, according to a CPP’s press release issued after the meeting.H.E. Liu Jianchao has been on a visit in Cambodia on Sept. 3-4, at the invitation of CPP. Besides Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the CPC senior official paid a courtesy visit to Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and President of the CPP’s youth wing, and met with H.E. Prak Sokhonn, a Member of the Standing Committee of the CPP Central Committee and Chairman of the Party’s Foreign Relations Committee. The discussions focused on a number of mutually beneficial bilateral issues, including the post-election situation in Cambodia and the celebration of 65th anniversary of the establishment of Cambodia-China diplomatic relations and the Cambodia-China Friendship Year, as well as the cooperation between the two ruling political parties.CPP has reaffirmed its strong commitment to continue to strengthen and expand cooperation to build a high-quality, high-level and high-standard China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future, as well as to enhance the “diamond cooperation framework” for the mutual interest of the two parties, countries and peoples.The CPP profoundly thanked China for its support and development assistance, including the provision of COVID-19 vaccines and scholarships, which have made significant contributions to Cambodia's socio-economic and infrastructure development, national reconstruction and poverty alleviation.The two parties expressed satisfaction over the strong and dynamic momentum of the strategic partnership in all aspects of cooperation between both countries for the prosperity, peace and development in all fields. They are committed to enhancing relations at all levels, especially between mass organisations and youth, as well as working together for the smooth process of the “Youth House for Cambodia-China Friendship” project.They praised the consistent implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Exchange between the two parties, which was signed under the witness of Samdech Techo Hun Sen.Both parties are also committed to continuing communication, visit exchanges, and mutual support in regional and international forums.
OPINION: Samdech HUN Sen: an impressive legacy
Phnom Penh, September 04, 2023 --Cambodia has just changed Prime Minister. For the first time since 1985. Systematically criticized by the Western press, never disputed when it came to his colleagues Mahatir from Malaysia or Lee Kwan You from Singapore, this exceptional longevity is explained by the exceptional situation found by Hun Sen when he takes over the government of the country.Because the man who took on this major responsibility was faced with a devastated country whose equipment was destroyed by the 1970-1975 war and the American bombardments (2,756,941 tons of bombs from 1965 to 1973, not counting the bombardments of 1973-1974). It was a country from which between a quarter and a third of the population has disappeared, mainly the most educated and the most cultured. It was a country whose mass crimes and genocide perpetrated by Pol Pot and his gang were denied by the UN and its human rights commission. Crimes which, however, according to a report by the Tunisian diplomat Boudhiba, were "unprecedented in our century except for the horrors of Nazism". It was a country whose survivors were exhausted, sick, traumatized and whose children have been deprived of a good health and a real schooling.In the contemporary history, no regime, not even that of Hitler, other than that of Pol Pot, has undertaken to dislocate its own society and the social fabric, to destroy its institutions, to dismantle families, to erect the entire national territory into a huge, forced labor and extermination camp.It is on such a country that a Sino-Western coalition imposed an embargo which denied the most fundamental human rights yet celebrated to saturation by Westerners: the right to food, the right to health, the right to education, the right to culture, the right to development and even the right to peace. Since, outside the UN, Chinese and Westerners were working to reconstitute a military force made up mainly with Pol Pot’s troops (trained by the British) which will inflict on this people of survivors 12 years of war. This embargo, thirty years after it was lifted, still affects today the health of those who suffered from it and the country's human resources.All this because Cambodia was a country for which the coalition that dominated the UN had raise a pretext: the refusal to recognize a regime resulting from foreign intervention. However, the UN, before 1979, on eleven occasions, recognized regimes resulting from foreign military intervention, the most famous of which are Yemen (1961), Bangladesh (1971) and Uganda (1978). Not to mention the interventions of the American services in Latin America and the French army in Africa, before and after 1979.It will therefore be necessary for the first Hun Sen government to continue the efforts, with the help of a Vietnamese contingent, to prevent the return of Pol Pot to power. At the cost of human lives, nameless suffering and deprivation of all kinds. Which will make it clear that there was no military solution. And this will justify the peace plan launched by Hun Sen in 1987 at the origin of the political unblocking and the start of negotiations. But those who guarantee the Cambodian people the non-return of the Khmer Rouge to power will come up against the intransigence of the Chinese and Westerners for four years who intend to involve Pol Pot in any peace solution. The result will be so-called Paris Peace Agreements that have not brought peace, since the trust of those who supported the Khmer Rouge will be betrayed by the latter who will refuse to implement the Agreements they have signed. What the more lucid had foreseen. When the UN left Cambodia in 1993, there were institutions born from elections and the work of the Constituent Assembly. These institutions enable Cambodia to reintegrate into the international community. But there was no peace. The fighting and the suffering that accompanies it lasted another five years.The peace that the Vietnamese, the UN and HM Norodom Sihanouk have been unable to achieve, it is Samdech Hun Sen's win-win policy that will make it happen. An achievement that should have earned him the Nobel Peace Prize if this kind of distinction was not reserved for the darlings of the West.Peace achieved, the reconstruction of the country and its development can begin. The pragmatism of the one that the Western media take pleasure in recalling an unproven communist past will justify reforms of an unusual scale to make Cambodia one of the most attractive countries on the planet for foreign investors. A proactive management of foreign aid will facilitate the reconstruction of a large number of infrastructures and the creation of a huge number of new equipment.At the same time, under the impetus of Samdech Hun Sen, the small state apparatus created after the liberation in 1979 was to be modernized and equipped. This great movement of reforms will be accompanied, of course, by some failures (e.g., railway equipment, too late and too modest, a late priority for education that has since been largely compensated), but above all by a lot of success: the airports, the port of Sihanoukville and its industrial zone, new roads, bridges over the Mekong which was only crossed by ferry, the birth of a expressway network… Samdech Hun Sen and his teams will seize all opportunities, without worrying about ideological prejudices. And when China, which from 2008 on its own provided as much aid as all the other countries put together (would it be to make people forget its support for Pol Pot from 1975 to 1991?), proposed its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI ), Samdech Hun Sen understood that there was a great opportunity here to make a major leap forward in the equipment of his country. The same will apply once the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership has been launched, of which Cambodia was a negotiator and a signatory and from which it is now drawing great benefits for one of the major objectives of this century: to get out of underdevelopment and to industrialize the country. The proliferation of trade agreements with South Korea, Japan and ASEAN countries will also contribute to the country's development. This policy resulted in a growth rate of 7% for twenty years, a drastic reduction in poverty and the growing emergence of a middle class. This momentum will be interrupted by the Covid 19 crisis, for which the Hun Sen government will provide the world with a model of exemplary management.As it was not possible to rebuild and develop Cambodia without real peace, it is not possible to build a modern state without real political stability. This objective will not cease to be hampered by an opposition which has gradually built its popularity on all the themes which divide a nation which still has to find a national consensus on several issues. To exacerbate hostile feelings about Vietnam, born from ignorance of historical facts, the opposition will neglect nothing that could increase its popularity: calls for racial hatred, exacerbated nationalism, publication of false documents, defamation and slander. The opposition does not express itself on alternative development projects, it lies, it insults, it stirs up divisions, it violates the laws. All Samdech Hun Sen's efforts to establish a culture of dialogue between the majority and the opposition will come up against the inability of the opposition to fit into the democratic model of political debate. Unfortunately, this opposition managed to mislead Western governments who were only asking to support the possible replacement of a Cambodian leader they never liked. Cambodia is therefore confronted with Europeans and Americans who systematically take up the defense of a nationalist and racist opposition, while being inexhaustible on human rights and democracy - after having supported Pol Pot for twelve years, never forget.But nothing will stop a leader who wants at all costs to bring his country out of underdevelopment and who needs a stable political life, even at the cost of a democracy still under construction and Western sanctions. This political will to ensure the essential stability will benefit from the constant support of HM King Norodom Sihamoni.The statesman who steps down from the leadership of government offers his successor a legacy of historic significance. If HM Norodom Sihanouk was, after 90 years of colonization, the architect of Cambodia's rediscovered independence in peace and territorial integrity, it is undeniable that Samdech Hun Sen is the architect of the rebirth and revival of Cambodia in rediscovered peace, political stability and extraordinary economic and social development.
EC President Looks Forward to Working with Cambodian New PM
Phnom Penh, August 29, 2023 --President of the European Commission (EC) H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyek expressed her congratulations to H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and looked forward to working with him for the mutual benefit of Cambodia and the European Union.“Our relations are underpinned by our mutual commitment to multilateralism and regional cooperation, sustainable growth, inclusive development and our strong people-to-people ties. Our bilateral cooperation continues to expand to new areas, creating opportunities for our businesses and peoples. In this regard, I look forward to working together with you and your administration to achieve the full potential of trade, investment and growth for both the European Union and Cambodia,” she wrote in her recent congratulatory message.H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyek also lauded the long history of partnership and cooperation between the European Union and Cambodia and was committed to continue them in the future.“In these challenging times, our valued relations with ASEAN and ASEAN members are essential to maintain peace and stability and to continue growing in prosperity. Our shared commitment to multilateralism and region-to-region cooperation will provide us with a solid foundation to continue working together in our efforts to tackle global challenges and promote sustainable and inclusive growth,” concluded the EC president.World leaders, including those of Bangladesh, Belarus, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Ghana, Hungary, India, Japan, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, Maldives, Myanmar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Türkiye, Ukraine, Vietnam and so on as well as president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have also sent their respective congratulatory messages to H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet.
Cambodia Reaffirms Support for Timor-Leste
Phnom Penh, August 28, 2023 --Cambodia has reiterated its support to the membership of Timor-Leste in ASEAN and the World Trade Organisation as well as in regional and global architecture.The stance was highlighted by H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, while receiving a courtesy call from visiting H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Deputy Prime Ministers, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment of Timor-Leste, at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh this afternoon.H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet also spoke highly of the historical diplomatic relations between the two countries which began in 2002 and attained fruitful results especially during Cambodia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2022.Through H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet thanked his Timorese counterpart for his congratulatory message on the occasion of his appointment as the Prime Minister of Cambodia and hoped to meet him personally at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.From his end, H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay expressed his gratitude to Cambodia for its assistance and support so that ASEAN agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste to be the 11th member of ASEAN and granted the island state an observer status.On behalf of the people and Government of Timor-Leste, H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay invited H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet to pay a visit to Timor-Leste at his appropriate time.H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay has been on a visit in Cambodia from Aug. 28 to 29, 2023.
Cambodia, EU Committed To Deepening Their Cooperation
Phnom Penh, August 28, 2023 --The Kingdom of Cambodia and the European Union (EU) have been committed to further boosting their cooperation as well as expanding the direction of cooperation in other areas such as education and human resource development, health, and civil service.The commitment was made by H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and outgoing EU Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Ms. Maria Del Carmen Moreno, during their farewell meeting here at the Peace Palace this morning.On the occasion, H.E. Ms. Maria Del Carmen Moreno extended congratulations to H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit and spoke highly of Cambodia's achievements, especially in controlling the COVID-19 crisis, the launch of an effective social assistance programme, and the proud ASEAN chairmanship in 2022.For his part, H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet thanked the outgoing EU ambassador for the congratulations and for the EU’s close cooperation with Cambodia so far.The 7th-mandate Royal Government of Cambodia will focus particularly on building human capital, conduct health reform at grassroots level, and reform the civil service sector, he underlined.The Cambodian Premier also requested the EU to continue supporting and financing the “Multi-annual Indicative Programme 2021-2027-Phase 2” to facilitate Cambodia's trade and exports to the EU market.
HLTF-ACV Meeting Concludes Discussion On ASEAN Community Vision 2045
Phnom Penh, August 28, 2023 --A Cambodian delegation attended the 10th High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Community's Post-2025 Vision (HLTF-ACV) Meeting at the ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta, Indonesia on Aug. 26-27, 2023.The Cambodian delegation was led by H.E. Dr. CHEM Widhya, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Cambodia’s Eminent Person for the HLTF-ACV.According to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the meeting successfully concluded the discussion on the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.The Vision will be submitted to the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) for in-principle endorsement and subsequently to the 43rd ASEAN Summit in September 2023 for notation, it added.Representatives from Timor-Leste were also invited to the 10th HLTF-ACV Meeting as Observers, said the same source.
China's industrial profit slump narrowed in June
Phnom Penh, July 28, 2023 -China's major industrial companies reported modest profit declines in June, official data showed on Thursday.Industrial companies with annual business revenue of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.81 million US dollars) saw their combined profit stand at 719.76 billion yuan last month, down 8.3%. Compared to the previous year, which narrowed from a decline of 12.6% in May.
Australia Helps Strengthen Cambodia’s Knowledge Sector and Evidence-based Policymaking
Phnom Penh, July 21, 2023 --Australia has been active in promoting and strengthening Cambodia’s knowledge sector and evidence-based policymaking through Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development.According to the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh, Ponlok Chomnes is fostering dialogue between the Cambodian Government, leading national research institutes, and civil society organisations on important policy questions.It supports high-quality research – including on the impacts of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups, strategies to enhance service delivery, and strengthening resilience to COVID-19 in Cambodia and across ASEAN, said the source, adding that it also brings together diverse perspectives, particularly those of women, which leads to better public policy.Ponlok Chomnes has been managed by The Asia Foundation since February 2019, and recently concluded Phase I. With support and contribution from all partners, the programme was able to host 35 policy dialogues/forums at national and sub-national level bringing more robust and responsive policies informed by evidence.
Malaysia ringgit forecast further decline in second half of this year
Phnom Penh, July 19, 2023 -Economists have forecast that the Malaysian ringgit will remain under pressure against the US dollar in the second half of this year amid a sharp rate hike by the Federal Reserve.Hong Leong Investment Bank said in a recent report that it expects the ringgit to depreciate overall in the second half of this year to an average of 4.67 ringgit per US dollar.In the third quarter, Hong Leong Bank forecast that the ringgit will continue to weaken as global tightening campaigns continue in the United States and advanced economies to curb inflationary pressures.For the fourth quarter, it is expected that the ringgit will be slightly biased due to moderate inflation, a cold labor market and more clarity in domestic politics as Malaysia goes through state elections.The Malaysian ringgit depreciated 5.9% against the US dollar in the first half.