Cambodia Not to Construct Hydropower Dam on Mekong River
Phnom Penh, November 30, 2023 --There is possibility to build at least two hydropower dams along the Mekong river in Cambodia, but the Royal Government will not do so.While presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Stung Tatai Leu Hydropower Dam of 150 megawatts in Thmar Baing district of Koh Kong province this morning, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, announced that Cambodia will not build any hydropower dam on the Mekong River, even though there are a lot of benefits for the country's socio-economic development.“The 7th-mandate Royal Government will not build dams on the Mekong River, no matter what the benefits are,” he underlined.There are a total of 11 projects planned, of which seven in Lao PDR, two in Cambodia, and two across the Lao-Thai border.The Mekong River Commission (MRC) pointed out that of the above-mentioned projects, two – Xaiyaburi and Don Sahong - have become operational and four more have been notified to the MRC for Prior Consultation Process.MRC said hydropower development in the Lower Mekong River (LMB) brings both positive and negative consequences.According to the MRC Council Study on the Sustainable Management and Development of the Mekong River Basin including Impacts of Mainstream Hydropower Projects, the LMB could see economic gains from full hydropower development of more than US$160 billion by 2040. Development of hydropower brings synergies with other water related sectors as well, including expanding irrigation that is key to food security, provides access to electricity that is key to poverty reduction, contributes to navigation that enhances regional trade, and provides flood management and drought relief that is important part of adapting to climate change.But those benefits come with potential costs. The decline of fisheries could cost nearly US$23 billion by 2040. The loss of forests, wetlands, and mangroves may cost up to US$145 billion. With further reduction of sediment due to dams and sand mining, rice growth along the Mekong will be severely curtailed. Fish farms, irrigation schemes, and expanding agriculture could offset these losses, although with uneven results between countries.
Sea Festival 2023 Kicks Off Today in Kep Province
Phnom Penh, December 01, 2023 --Sea Festival 2023 kicks off today in Kep province, under the theme ‘Together for Tourism.Kep province hosts the 10th Sea Festival from Dec. 1 to 3, aiming to boost tourism development in the province and attract more tourists, both national and international, to visit the coastal province.Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, and his spouse will preside over the official opening ceremony of the annual event on Dec. 2.According to the Ministry of Tourism, the three-day festival will feature live concerts, art performances, food and beverage expo, trade fair, kite flying event, firework display, sports competitions, and so on.Organised every year on a rotating basis in the coastal provinces, the Sea Festival is aimed at promoting the country’s coastal areas to tourists and encouraging the protection and preservation of natural and cultural resources.Cambodia’s coastline, which became a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club (World-Bays Club) in mid-2011, stretches for 450 kilometres over four southwestern provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Kep, Kampot and Koh Kong.Under the recently-launched Kep Tourism Development Master Plan 2023-2035, Kep province is designed to turn into a luxurious eco-tourism destination with a competitive edge beyond Cambodia.The master plan features a number of initiatives to develop Kep into a world-class tourism destination. This comprises new tourism products and attractions, including a golf course, marina and a casino, besides improving the quality of existing tourism infrastructure like hotels, restaurants and beaches.It also aims to convert Kep as a destination for luxury tourism, MICE events and weddings and also developing it as a sustainable tourism destination with a focus on environmental protection.The master plan is also expected to create jobs and boost the local economy of the province.
Cambodia, UAE Optimistic About CEPA's Potential
Phnom Penh, November 30, 2023 --Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates are optimistic about the prospect potential of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).The optimism was unveiled by H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce and H.E. Dr. bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the "Fortune Global Forum 2023" and the session on "Tectonic Shifts: Globalisation and the Future Trade" at Abu Dhabi in UAE on Nov. 29.On the occasion, H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul mentioned about the progress and opportunities of trade between Cambodia and UAE and the importance of regional and global trade integration, especially the need to connect ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which will play key role in sustainable economic development in supply chain participation as well as innovation.Both sides also noted the concerted roles of developed and developing countries in promoting cooperation across sectors such as digital sector, environment, competition, youth capacity development, and adaptation to the rapidly changing technology revolution.
Cambodia Elected to be the Host of 5th Review Conference of Mine Ban Convention in 2024
Phnom Penh, November 25, 2023 --Cambodia has been elected to chair and host the 5th Review Conference of the Mine Ban Convention, named by the Kingdom: Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World, during the 21st Meeting of State Parties to Mine Ban Convention in Geneva, Switzerland on Nov. 24.The event is scheduled to take place in Siem Reap province with the participation of 164 member states and observer states as well as many international organisations and institutions, said Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, expressing congratulations to Cambodia on the election.Cambodia is the 5th country in the world and the first one in Asia to chair and host the Review Conference of the Mine Ban Convention held every five years, he stressed.The first conference took place in Kenya in 2004, the second in Colombia in 2009, the third in Mozambique in 2014, and the fourth in Norway in 2019.“The Siem Reap-Angkor Summit is a forum where Cambodia will reaffirm its commitment to the international community on mine clearance and review the progress of past action plans,” the Cambodian Premier underlined on his social media networks this morning.Samdech Thipadei took the opportunity to commend H.E. Senior Minister Ly Thuch, First Vice President of Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), the management, officials and staff of CMAA, development partners, national and international operators, mine action communities and all stakeholders for their efforts and contribution to save Cambodia and its people from the misery of anti-personnel mines, which are the legacy of the country's chronic war.The Prime Minister also thanked the Member States of the Ottawa Convention and the international community for their continued support and appreciation for Cambodia's efforts in the field of mine action, as well as for their election for Cambodia as the chair and host of the 5th Review Conference of Mine Ban Convention.
Tourist Pavilion Receives Nearly 7,000 International Visitors during Water Festival Celebration
Phnom Penh, November 29, 2023 --A total of 6,863 foreign visitors enjoyed the three-day boat races from the tourist pavilion located close to the honorary pavilion, in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, H.E. Kuch Panhasa, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Tourism, told AKP last night.For the first day, the special pavilion received 1,903 international tourists, while 2,228 and 2,732 foreign visitors were registered on the second and final days of the three-day Water Festival celebration, respectively, he pointed out.What attracted them the most is the warm hospitality of the Cambodian people, he noted.The Ministry of Tourism has arranged the special pavilion for international tourists to watch the Royal Water Festival’s boat racing and floating lanterns. Along with the convenient seats, participating foreigners are provided with free refreshment and headsets for translation of the event announcement and narration into English, French, and Chinese.This year’s Water Festival was concluded yesterday evening with success and joyfulness, under the royal presidency of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia.Annually, Cambodia organises the Water Festival to mark the end of monsoon season, convey appreciation to nature, especially water, for the productive harvests, and commemorate the country's rich culture and long history.
Over 10,000 Police Forces Deployed to Ensure Security and Order during Water Festival
Phnom Penh, November 23, 2023 --More than 10,000 police forces will be deployed to ensure security and order during the in-coming Water Festival – one of Cambodia’s biggest traditional festivals.The information was shared by the General Commissariat of National Police, adding that Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Neth Savoeun chaired here yesterday a preparatory meeting on security and order issues for the annual festival.On the occasion, H.E. Neth Savoeun advised the armed forces and relevant authorities to closely work together to ensure security, order and social safety for the people during the Water Festival to be held from Nov. 26 to 28, after being suspended for many years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The three-day Water Festival is one of the most joyful festivals in Cambodia. People throughout the country flock to Phnom Penh capital to enjoy the festival’s three main events: boat racing, Loy Pratip (the display of decorative lighted boats), Sampeas Preah Khe (Moon Festival) and Ok Ambok (a type of glutinous rice roasted and crushed with pestle eaten with banana or coconut juice).This year, 338 boats from across the country have registered for the races while 30 Pratip representing different ministries, institutions and private companies will float along the river in front of the Royal Palace.Annually, Cambodia organises the Water Festival to mark the end of monsoon season, convey appreciation to nature, especially water, for the productive harvests, and commemorate the country's rich culture and long history.
PM: Cambodia’s Economy to Grow by 6.6 Percent Next Year
Phnom Penh, November 23, 2023 --The national economic growth for 2024 has been forecasted at about 6.6 percent, up from around 5.6 percent this year, said Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.In his keynote address at the opening ceremony of Cambodia Outlook Conference 2023 themed “Cambodia Vision 2030 and Beyond: Charting a Path for Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive Prosperity” organised by the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel this morning, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said next year, the national economy will grow faster than 2023.“With the reform measures in place in the past and the proactive measures to be taken in the future, Cambodia is expected to achieve an economic growth of 5.6 percent in 2023 and the figure will grow faster in 2024 at a rate of 6.6 percent,” he underlined.Of course, the Premier added, this growth outlook may also face some risks at a time when the current situation remains highly uncertain, therefore, Cambodia must adhere to the spirit of regular and proactive reforms, trying to build resilience and promote economic diversification.Regarding the economic growth outlook, the World Bank yesterday released its new forecast saying that Cambodia’s economic growth is projected to reach 5.4 percent in 2023, marginally down from 5.5 percent forecast in May, mainly weighting the growth by the external pressures and structural shortcomings.This financial institution also projected that Cambodia’s robust economic growth will reach 5.8 percent in 2024 and 6.1 percent in 2025, on anticipated increases in infrastructure investment and benefits from regional trade agreements
Cambodian PM Reaffirms His Participation in ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Next Month
Phnom Penh, November 22, 2023 --Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet this morning confirmed his attendance in the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Japan in December.The confirmation was made in his public speech at the inauguration ceremony of 246.15-kilometre-long portion of National Road No. 5 from Prek Kdam in Kandal province to Battambang provincial city, held in Kampong Chhnang province.“During my visit to Japan for the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in December, I look forward to bilateral talks to strengthen bilateral cooperation within the framework of comprehensive strategic partnership,” he underlined.The ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit is expected to be held from Dec. 16-18 in Tokyo to mark the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. This summit will set out a new vision to strengthen the relationship between ASEAN and Japan.
Cambodian PM Reaffirms His Participation in ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Next Month
Phnom Penh, November 22, 2023 --Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet this morning confirmed his attendance in the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Japan in December.The confirmation was made in his public speech at the inauguration ceremony of 246.15-kilometre-long portion of National Road No. 5 from Prek Kdam in Kandal province to Battambang provincial city, held in Kampong Chhnang province.“During my visit to Japan for the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in December, I look forward to bilateral talks to strengthen bilateral cooperation within the framework of comprehensive strategic partnership,” he underlined.The ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit is expected to be held from Dec. 16-18 in Tokyo to mark the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. This summit will set out a new vision to strengthen the relationship between ASEAN and Japan.
An Endangered Tortoise, “Elongated Tortoise” Spotted in Stung Treng
Phnom Penh, November 20, 2023—An endangered tortoise, “Elongated Tortoise” (Indotestudo elongata), has been spotted in Seam Pang district, Stung Treng province.The good news was shared late last week by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Morodok Baitang, adding that the tortoise was discovered by its conservative team in September 2023.According to the source, the Elongated tortoise is a species of tortoise found in parts of south-east Asia. Elongated tortoises are omnivores. Their diet primarily includes plant matter such as leaves, fruits, mushrooms, and invertebrates.Elongated tortoise spends much of their time resting in piles of leaf litter and rarely venture out into direct sunlight, so most of their activity occurs at dawn or dusk. They exhibit an increase in activity during the rainy season.The Elongated tortoise is classified as critically endangered due to major population decline resulting from habitat loss and collecting for traditional medicines, the pet trade and food.
Naga Balustrade Restoration Project of Angkor Wat to be Completed Late This Month
Phnom Penh, November 21, 2023 --The restoration project of Naga Balustrades of Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap province is expected to be completed at the end of November, according to the APSARA National Authority.Archaeologist of the Department of Temple Preservation and Archeology, Mr. Say Sophearin, said that in the past three months, his team has worked to repair more than 90 percent of the Naga balustrades and stairs on the south side of Angkor Wat.Mr. Sophearin said that the team repaired and strengthened the foundation of the staircase and the Naga balustrades, divided into three stages. The first one is to repair and strengthen the staircase that collapsed by arranging the torn stone to follow the default and restore the ancient drainage system. The second step is to repair the unbalanced Naga's head to make it stronger by adding new stones to replace the lost ones. The third step is to repair the 15-metre-long Naga balustrade, including the structure of the Naga assembly so that the Naga's body can run straight back to its original position.Mr. Say Sophearin confirmed that the work of repairing the Naga balustrades and the southern staircase of the Angkor Wat Temple began in mid-July. Some of the remaining work, such as cutting the stone of the new Naga body, compacting the ground to prevent water leakage, and avoiding further damage, is scheduled to be completed by the end of November 2023.
MPWT: 2019, the Year with Highest Road Accidents in Last Five Years
Phnom Penh, November 21, 2023 --“2019” was the year with the highest number of road accidents during the last five years, with 4,141 cases, resulting in 2,151 deaths, 4,097 serious injuries and 7,271 minor injuries.The remark was made known by H.E. Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport at the launch of Prakas on road use and Prakas on safety distance for automobiles, held at the ministry office on Nov. 20, with the participation of some 300 representatives from the General Commissariat of National Police, Capital/Provincial Police Commissariats, Capital/Provincial Departments of Public Works and Transport, transport associations, transport companies and diving schools.The main causes of road accidents in the past five years include excessive speedg (44 percent), disrespect for priority right (14 percent), drunk driving (13 percent), overtaking in dangerous conditions (12.5 percent), and failure to keep right (10 percent), H.E. Minister pointed out.In the first ten months of this year, he added, 2,716 cases of road accidents were recorded, with1,286 deaths, 2,258 serious injuries and 1,382 minor injuries. Compared to the figures in the same period last year, the rate of traffic accidents jumped by 9 percent, the number of fatalities decreased by 11 percent, the number of serious injuries rose by 3 percent, the number of minor injuries increased 10 percent, while the failure to wear a helmet wearing dropped by 10 percent.According to H.E. Peng Ponea, traffic accidents cost Cambodia over US$400 million a year, regardless of social hardship such as disabilities, orphans, widows, and poor family economy.
Minimum Temperature To Drop To 18 Degrees Celsius This Week
Phnom Penh, November 20, 2023 --The minimum temperature would drop to 18 degrees Celsius from Nov. 20 to 22, especially at the northeastern highland areas.According to an announcement on new weather forecast released on Nov. 20 by the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM), the provinces of Mondulkiri, and Rattanakiri would experience the lowest temperature, particularly in the morning.For the lowland areas, the minimum temperature would decrease up to 20-24 degrees Celsius, it pointed out.In the coastal areas, the lowest temperature would vary between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius along with strong wind, added the source, calling on the public to increase their vigilance of the low temperature.
Cambodian PM Says Vision 2050 Is Not A Dream
Phnom Penh, November 21, 2023 --Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, this morning reassured that the Royal Government’s vision 2030 and 2050 is not a dream.“We have reached the lower middle-income status, but we are trying our hardest to realise our vision for an upper middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income economy by 2050,” he underlined at a get-together with nearly 20,000 workers and employees from 13 factories and enterprises in Phnom Penh’s Khan Kambol.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said that if we have newborn babies in 2023, we have to make sure when they grow up to 18 years old in 2041, they can have a better job with higher income than our generation.“Our vision set for 2050 is high, but we need to put all efforts to achieve our goal for our nation,” he added.In 2023, Cambodia’s GDP per capita is around US$1,917, but next year the figure will rise to US$2,071, the Ministry of Economy and Finance pointed out.According to the World Bank, a country can obtain an upper middle-income status in case its GDP per capita is between US$4,256 and US$13,205.
Cambodian People Urges for National Economic Scale
Phnom Penh, November 20, 2023 --Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet called upon all to pay attention on the national economic scale.Addressing at the official launching ceremony for the implementation of the 5th and 6th Priority Policy Programmes of the Royal Government, 7th Legislature of the National Assembly, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said economic scale is an important point that Cambodia should consider.“If our nation hasn’t the right economic scale, we will be very difficult to compete with the other”, he underlined.Moreover, if we don’t have clear economic scale, we also find it difficult to access to technology and receive detailed interventions, he added.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said to be one of the 10 major agriculture exporters, Cambodia needs a proper economic scale. We should think of the common interests of the agricultural sector as a whole rather than the interests of any single company.By early November, Cambodia has put 3.6 million hectares under rice in total and exported in total 6.2 million tonnes of agricultural products worth US$ 3.5 billion to 74 countries.
OPINION: Cambodia-Vietnam Relations in the New Era
Phnom Penh, November 20, 2023 --August 2023 marked a new chapter of Cambodian history of over 500 years with peaceful and smooth transition of power. Samdech Thipadei Dr. Hun Manet succeeded his father and long-serving prime minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen as the country’s leader after their Cambodian People’s Party won a landslide victory in the national election in July. Foreign media and the diplomatic community have kept an eye on Cambodia’s foreign policy to determine which direction the country is taking.Just weeks after assuming office, Prime Minister Hun Manet has held a series of overseas trips in September 2023, including Indonesia’s capital of Jakarta for the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, China’s Beijing Capital for official visit and Nanning City for China-ASEAN Expo, the US’ New York for the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78), and again China’s Beijing Capital for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October 2023. In addition, the newly elected Prime Minister of neighbouring Kingdom of Thailand, Mr. Srettha Thavisin paid his first official overseas visit to Cambodia in late September 2023.Vietnam will be the third country that Prime Minister Hun Manet will pay his official visit in December this year. However, the exchanges of state and official visits between top leaders and government’s officials between the two countries have been made in many platforms and at many levels. For instance, the Cambodian National Defence Minister Tea Seiha paid a friendly and official visit to Vietnam from November 12-14 at the invitation of Vietnamese National Minister Mr. Phan Van Giang while the Cambodia National Assembly President Ms. Khuon Sudary planned to pay an official and friendly visit to Vietnam at the end of November 2023.The change of Cambodia’s leadership has posed a question on how Cambodia’s neighbourhood diplomacy looks like, and especially how Cambodia-Vietnam relationship is going to be in the new era under the Cambodian new Prime Minister Hun Manet’s leadership.Despite the change of leadership, the guiding principles of the country's foreign policy remain unchanged and based on Article 53 of the Constitution, which affirms Cambodia's commitment to permanent neutrality, non-alliance and peaceful coexistence.The ruling Cambodian People’s Party has set seven core principles for the next five years for the country's foreign policy, which include opposing force, disapproval of unlawful occupations, non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries, prohibition of foreign military presence in Cambodia, and refusal to endorse invasions of other countries.As a post-conflict nation, Cambodia attaches great importance to peace and stability, both domestically and regionally, and is committed to promoting development and prosperity, and preventing any interference in its relations with other countries.As the matter of fact, within the framework of bilateral relations with Vietnam, Cambodia has adhered to the foreign policy of being a good neighbour by strengthening friendship and expanding cooperation not only within the bilateral framework but also by supporting each other in international and regional forums. In regional forums, the two countries exchanged views on regional and international issues which are mutually beneficial for both countries. Vietnam, on the other hand, in its framework for bilateral foreign policy with Cambodia, it’s is not much different from Cambodia, Vietnam has considered Cambodia as a neighbouring country where good relations are considered a priority and must be nurtured.Cambodia and Vietnam have cultivated time-honoured friendship and cooperation characterized by profound political trust and functional collaboration across sectors. Bilateral relations between the two countries are developing in many fields.Cambodia and Vietnam agree that strengthening and enhancing the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries are very important for both nations. Bilateral foreign policy of Cambodia and Vietnam to each other highlights the strength of relations between the two countries.Cambodia-Vietnam ties continue to diversify, both on the bilateral and multilateral levels while gaining in strength in all areas of common interest. The two countries are jointly addressing common and global challenges, strengthening contacts at all levels and across platforms, and deepening mutual understanding will ensure they make greater achievements at the national and global levels.In expressing their positions to each other, the leaders of the two countries have always highlighted their commitment to strengthen, expand and enhance the relations between the two countries to a new level, which brings fruitful results and real benefits for the people of both countries and a positive contribution to peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the region and the world. Strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries is absolutely indispensable.As an immediate neighbour, Vietnam has always supported the Cambodian people’s independent choice of development path, the path best suited to their national conditions, and backed them in defending Cambodia’s sovereignty and national security. It also supports the Cambodian people in advancing their major domestic political agenda and socioeconomic development, and opposing external interference in Cambodia's internal affairs.In this context, Prime Minister Hun Manet maintains the current policy toward Vietnam, which is based on traditional friendship, mutual trust and win-win cooperation. And he is unlikely to change the policy of close cooperation between the ruling parties and governments of the two countries, strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, and jointly building a high-quality, high-level and high-standard between the nations for mutual benefit, thus contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.Prime Minister Hun Manet and his youthful new government are well aware of the recessionary troubles afflicting both the EU and the US, and know the economic incentives of maintaining close ties with Vietnam. Cambodia now seeks to diversify trade and investment toward sustainable value-added processing and manufacturing to meet the burgeoning needs of ASEAN's expanding middle class.Despite the post-pandemic effects, the spill-over effects of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Palestinian Hamas-Israeli conflict, and recessionary trends in the EU and the US that have affected its housing, tourism and garment sectors, the Cambodian economy remains robust. High on Hun Manet's agenda will be issues such as building on Cambodia's RCEP and ASEAN membership and the FTAs with China and the ROK to continue his father's legacy of political stability and relatively high economic growth of 7 percent a year during his term.Historical and long-standing relations, and comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, and unbreakable friendship, are the greatest legacy of Hun Sen in Cambodia-Vietnam relations, which Prime Minister Hun Manet needs to take forward. The healthy and stable relationship between Cambodia and Vietnam is both important and necessary to deepen practical cooperation in various fields.Good relations between Cambodia and Vietnam are very important and significantly contribute to regional peace, security, stability, and prosperity. The two countries are good neighbours that peacefully co-exist and help and support each other in all circumstances. Understanding each other base on mutual benefit and equality is a basis of good neighbourliness between the two countries. It is an effective mechanism for increasing comprehensive benefits for neighbouring countries and improving cooperation that provides mutual benefit in all areas.Therefore, the two countries must continue to live together in peace, with mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, not interfere in each other’s internal affairs, resolve issues peacefully and cooperate in all areas of mutual benefit that can be fitted the motto of the relationship adopted by the two countries – “good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, sustainable and long-term cooperation” between the two countries in the coming time. With this motto, it is hoped that the relations between the two countries for the next centuries will continue to grow broader, deeper, more efficient and better.
Cambodia’s Airports Handle 4.11 Million Air Passengers in Ten Months
Phnom Penh, November 17, 2023 --Cambodia’s international airports have handled a total of 4.11 million air passengers in the January-October period of 2023, a year-on-year increase of 144 percent, the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation’s report pointed out.The Kingdom recorded a total of 41,596 flights at the international airports during the first ten months of this year, up 93 percent compared to the same period last year.H.E. Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, said that the figures showed a significant recovery of the Cambodian aviation industry.“We can assume that the aviation industry in Cambodia has recovered more than 55 percent compared to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic era in 2019,” he said in a speech during the inauguration of the Chinese-invested Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI).H.E. Mao Havannall said that Cambodia currently has direct flights with eight ASEAN member countries, as well as China, South Korea, and Qatar, among others.SAI was officially inaugurated on Nov. 16 under the presidency of Samdech Moha Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia.The airport will play an important role in boosting foreign tourist arrivals to the province, the cultural tourism hub of Cambodia, he said in the inauguration ceremony held at the airport, located in Tayek commune in Sotr Nikum district, about 50 kilometres from Siem Reap provincial city.
Cambodia Collects US$3 Billion as Tax Income in Ten Months
Phnom Penh, November 16, 2023 --The General Department of Taxation (GDT) has collected US$3,06 billion as tax revenue in the first ten months of 2023.The figure was released on Nov. 15 in a monthly meeting chaired by H.E. Kong Vibol, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister and GDT’s Director General.“The tax income collection in the ten-month period equals to 85.8 percent of the yearly budget plan,” H.E Kong Vibol said.In October alone, GDT generated some US$260 million from tax collection, he added, lauding the joint efforts of officials in collecting tax income efficiency.Modernisation has resulted in better rate of registration, improvement in taxpayer services and filing of tax returns in addition to the expansion of data storing facilities among other things, he said.The country has two institutions responsible for collecting taxes. One is the General Department of Taxation (GDT), which focuses on interior taxes such as income tax, salary tax, value added tax, and property tax, and the other is the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), which collects taxes on goods entering and leaving the country.
“Visit Siem Reap 2024” Strategy Rolled out
Phnom Penh, November 13, 2023 --The Royal Government of Cambodia has announced the rollout of a special programme: “Visit Siem Reap 2024,” under which a number of measures aiming to boost the tourism industry in Siem Reap cultural province will be set forth.The announcement was made on Monday by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet at the 19th Government-Private Sector Forum (G-PSF) at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.The measures range from the launch of tourism council as soon as possible, clear action plan for “Visit Siem Reap 2024” programme and improvement of hospitality and services at border gates to the expansion of border pass scope, financial support for tour operators in Siem Reap, tax incentives, and direct flight establishment from well-known tourism destinations to Siem Reap.Cambodia attracted some 3,92 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2023, of them 539,561 visited the Angkor Archeological Park in Siem Reap province, a year-on-year increase of 302 percent, generating some US$24.95 million from ticket sales.
Samdech Men Sam An Elected President of SFDCM National Council
Phnom Penh, November 15, 2023 --Samdech Kittisangahapundit Men Sam An, Vice President of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) was unanimously elected President of the National Council of the Solidarity Front for Development of Cambodian Motherland (SFDCM).The election was held during the 6th SFDCM Congress at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel this morning under the presidency of Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, CPP Honorary President and former President of the SFDCM National Council, and Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, CPP President and President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King.At the same time, Samdech Heng Samrin was elected Honorary President of the SFDCM National Council, while Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet will hold the Honorary Presidium, and H.E. Hun Many was endorsed to be a Vice President of the SFDCM National Council.According to the SFDCM National Council’s Resolution released this afternoon, the 6th SFDCM Congress agreed with the report and evaluation of the work activities of the Front at all levels in the past 17 years, from 2006 to 2023, and set forth future work direction, programmes and activities.The congress praised the Front at all levels for its efforts to carry out with proud results its work in accordance with the tasks set and handed over by the people, and called on all Front members to continue to support and actively participate in the programmes and action plans set out by the Front in contribution with the Royal Government to attain new major achievements in building and developing the nation.The congress thanked friendly countries, especially the Communist Party of Vietnam, as well as the Vietnamese government, army and people for responding to the call of the Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation (KUFNS) to liberate Cambodia and its people from the genocidal regime.The 6th SFDCM Congress also expressed its deepest gratitude to all patriotic dignitaries, especially Samdech Heng Samrin and Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the Front’s founders, who had sacrificed their flesh and blood with great heroism in the cause of national liberation, reconstruction and development until the current progress.Besides, the congress appealed to all compatriots and all social circles to continue to unite under the constitution and under the motto of “Nation, Religion, King” to gain new and greater achievements for the nation.